This paper discusses the role of the Republic of Turkey in contemporary politics as the only modern, secular Muslim state after its revolution during years 1910-1923.
Abstract This paper looks at the fundamental principles of Turkey's foreign policy. It examines Turkey's role in World War II and asks whether the country was completely neutral or not. It discusses Turkey's membership in the United Nations; the conflicts between the Soviets and the Turks; the importance of the Korean War for the Turks; the role of Turkey as the only Muslim state in NATO; the Turks and the Greeks and Cyprus; the 1991 Gulf War and Turkey's role as the critical ally of the U.S ,and finally, Turkey in the EU.
From the Paper ""History has seen many great people. It has seen Alexander the Great's, Napoleon's, Washington's. However, in the twentieth century, the record for greatness was broken by Ataturk, this Turkish son of a Turk." as L'IIIustration Newspaper of France states after the death of a great leader, a true liberator in 1938. Among the great leaders of history, few have achieved so much in so short period, transformed the life of a nation as decisively, and given such profound inspiration to the world at large. With the foundation of today's Republic of Turkey in 1923, Ataturk, literally the Father of the Turks, came up with a huge package of reforms to transform the sick, old Ottoman state into a young, modern Republic and a nation. This set of reforms is called Kemalism and it is the introduction and the rendering of the rights to the nation. It is the expression of the national sovereignty. It is an attempt to reach the level of the modern civilizations, it is westernization, modernization. It requires to experience a modern social life, to establish a secular state, and to govern with a positive science mentality. Ataturk's words, which were brought by the idea of Kemalism, ?Peace at home, peace in the world,? give the basic principle of him about his views on world politics within his own nation and also in the world."
Tags: cyprus, empire, foreign, greece, greek, korean, nato, ottoman, policy, republic, turk, turkish, war, world
This paper describes the ecological problem caused by the tourist industry in the Turks and Caicos Island nation, located north of Haiti and south of the Bahamas.
Abstract This paper explains that the Turks and Caicos Island nation boast the quiet solitude of hundreds of miles of undeveloped beaches, which promote a strong trade in eco-tourism, and an archaeological past, which dates back thousands of years. The author points out that the recently developed Holland America Line cruise center, which has changed the landscape of Grand Turk Island, similar to the situation in other Caribbean destinations, does not preserve the natural settings nor add sufficiently to the revenue of the nation to justify the disruption of the environment. The paper stresses that creating a system based on eco-friendly practices, including limiting embankments and increasing time spent in various locations, is essential to the tourist industry in this area. The paper includes several long quotations.
From the Paper "Robertsen in a pioneering call for research on the subject of the social, economic and environmental impact of the fast growing cruise industry states that the Turk & Caicos islands were being threatened by the development of this center (in 2001 before it was cemented). The evidence associated with many cruise centers is difficult to judge based on the fact that there is limited reporting and only marginal amounts of scholarly research on the subject. In trade magazines, the issue is largely glossed over as a point of great growth and expansion, ..."
Abstract A paper on the influence of the Mongols and the Turks on the western world and the diffusion of the culture they caused through their invasions.
Abstract This research paper discusses the military and political aspects of the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in 1453. It gives detailed background information on the previous attempts to conquer the city by several other civilizations and provides primary source information on the 45-day conquest process of the city by the Turks, which changed the fate of Europe, Christianity, and the Turks.
From the Paper "The city of Constantinople, which is now known as Istanbul, was inhabited by people as early as 3000 BC. Along with its history, Constantinople always held the interest of Greeks and Romans; yet, this interest could only continue until the rise of the Ottoman Turk power. The most powerful civilizations of their times eventually occupied, or at least tried to occupy, this city for various reasons. The location of Constantinople is the most attractive feature of the city; it is located in such an area that the Bosphorus, the sea that separates the two continents Asia and Europe, simply implies that this city is an entry to both Asia and Europe. Given this fact, it is true to say that the European originated Greeks and Romans wanted to control the entry to Asia, which eventually would cause a tremendous expansion in trades. Thus, Constantinople and ?the huge peninsula, known to the ancients as Asia Minor, had been one of the most populous areas in the world.? (Runciman, 22)."
Abstract This paper studies the phenomenon of Turkish immigration to Germany, which began in the 1960s. The paper explains that the Turks were originally allowed to immigrate as guest workers, with the intention that their presence was transient. However, the Turks stayed and today make up 4 percent of Germany's population. This paper assesses the impact of the Turks on Germany society and the success -- or failure -- of the Turkish community to be absorbed into German society. The author focuses in particular on youth and education issues for the community.
From the Paper "There are 1.8 million Turks in Germany, 139,000 of them in Berlin alone, making them the largest group of foreign workers. The second most commonly spoken language in Germany isn't French, Spanish or even English. It is Turkish, the language of the 2.5 million ethnic Turks who live and work in Germany as a postwar legacy of its guest-worker program. The first workers often brought their families with them. In 1973 after the oil crisis, recruitment stopped, and many did go home to Turkey. But, despite some returning and no more guest works being hired, the continued flow of family members from Turkey and a high birth rate has kept the population of Turks in Germany high. But, they are Turks, and will always be regarded as outsiders by Germans. Despite every effort by children of immigrants who were born in Germany, attend German schools and speak only German, they are still second-class citizens with few good job prospects. It really is Germany's fault that this situation exists."
Abstract In this essay, Iraq and the Kurdish people are discussed in great detail. The paper discusses the influence of the British in the region and the annexation of Kurdistan to become a part of Northern Iraq. The paper contains an in-depth account of the history of Iraq and the Kurds struggle for independence and the fight against Arab Nationalism.
From the paper:
"The Iraqis were to give due regard to the Kurds in regard to their culture and language. The settlement had considerable repercussions, however, for the future of Iraq. Vast oil revenues would accrue from the Mosul province, but the inclusion of a large number of well-armed and restless Kurds in Iraqi territory would continue to plague Iraqi governments".
Abstract The paper discusses the most important criminal threat facing Turkish society and government; the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The paper discusses the financial, social and military measures the authorities use to protect the Turkish population from the violent manifestations of the rebels against the local population. The writer includes his personal view that the PKK threat could be dealt with through dialogue between the two parties and through an improvement in the quality of life in Kurdish regions.
From the Paper "Turkey has been an interesting case study for international relations for decades now. It is neither a Muslim, nor a European country, yet its foreign policy prospects include the affirmation of an increasingly important role in both regions. However, such an ambitious plan requires the resolution of internal crises that press on the society. It can be said that the Turkish state faces serious challenges in insuring a proper human security environment and up to this point there is little improvement in this sense, rather an escalation of the threats facing the society."
Tags: Kurds, dialogue, quality, of, life, sanctions, military
Abstract Few cities possess such a rich, varied and dynamic history as that of Constantinople, now Istanbul. The paper shows that Steven Runciman's history, entitled "The Fall of Constantinople 1453", is a flowing narrative detailing the years immediately before, during and after the "fall" of the city to the Ottoman Turks. Runciman's account is far from being dry; like a novel, the characters exhibit remarkably multidimensional traits. The paper examines how Runciman conveys the fact that the history and fall of Constantinople did not happen overnight and the transition from the Roman Catholic rule through Greek Orthodoxy, culminating with the triumph of the Muslim Turks, was a long, colorful and often bloody one.
From the Paper "Early in the book, Runciman offers reasons why his book differs from other accounts of the fall of Constantinople. His main gripe with common historical accounts, at least those published by the 1960s, was that most historians refer to the fall of Constantinople as the end of the Middle Ages. Runciman refutes this claim, stating firmly that the Middle Ages could not have just suddenly finished in one year; features of the Dark Ages, whether in politics, religion, lifestyle, or philosophy, remained after 1453. Likewise, Runciman notes that the Renaissance was well on its way in central Europe by the time Constantinople fell. Runciman claims that the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans solidified a Turkish capital in Europe, providing a European presence for the once isolated Eastern tribes."
Abstract This paper examines how much of Philip II's Mediterranean policy focused on a "necessary" war, waged with an unknown chance of victory and how questions still remain as to whether or not Philip possessed a Grand Strategy and the influence it had on events in the Mediterranean. It references Braudel from a thematic perspective and uses Geoffrey Parker's notion of 'Grand strategy' as a basis for the argument. It also discusses and analyse the threat of the Turk, the threat of France and England and explores the actual aims and objectives of the Spanish strategy in the Mediterranean in context to 16th century Spanish society.
From the Paper "The scale of Spain's Empire in the 16th century can prove somewhat misleading when studying Philip's attitude towards the Mediterranean. With lands from Sicily to Cuzco forming the ?"greatest empire ever known since the creation of the world"?, it is perhaps difficult to distinguish between Philip's imperial strategy and his Mediterranean policy. Philip's imperial strategy was generally defensive. The Armada was sent to protect the Netherlands from the English threat and to put an end to attacks on colonial Spain and her privateering and France and Germany were both occupied in defence of the Netherlands. Whilst affairs in the Mediterranean may well resemble a similar theme, the main difference was the nature of nature of the opposition."
Abstract This paper explains the new reality for immigrant population groups in European countries. It looks at how the European Union's open-door policy has allowed for freer movement of immigrant group throughout the continent and discusses how this affects demographics and socialization of these groups. This paper focuses on the Turkish community in Germany.
From the Paper "The ebb and flow of people across borders has been always been a concern for nation-states and with the creation of the European Union this concern has not stopped or ceased but rather intensified within the community. As nationalism disappears in the wake of European integration replacing it will be a European identity yet to be defined. How these communities have integrated their new neighbors as well as the government's response to the increased social and economic strain is an indicator of times to come."
Abstract This paper provides a thorough overview of the history of the Ottoman Empire and the impact it had on the world. The paper describes the early structure of the empire's political and military might, the Ottoman empire's gradual demise and its final collapse.
The Early Structure of Political and Military Power
in the Ottoman Empire
Turkish Military: The First Place the Turks Occupied in Europe was
Gallipoli
The Growth and Expansion of Russia from the 18th Century Onwards
Egypt (because of cotton) Begins a Move Away
from the Ottoman Empire
Demands Pressed Upon the Ottoman State - and Russian Expansion -
Led to a Further Weakening of Ottoman
The Janissary Corps
The Ottoman Failure to Reform the Inefficient System of
Government they were Using
The Origin and Decline of the Ottoman Empire
From the Paper "And it is important to note that Turkey's domination over Africa's northern areas was not entirely well defined, and the Ottoman Empire did not really have permanent, clear-cut borders; rather, the empire was more of a military administration over a vast region of diverse cultures and geography."
Abstract In this paper the author attempts to address exactly how the Greeks reacted to the fall of Constantinople to the Turkish Empire. He highlights how preliminary research appears to show that some Greeks renounced their culture and their church and were fully assimilated into the Ottoman Empire, but that a greater number of Greeks (The Phanariots) retained their language, their culture and their religion and were able to not only prosper but rise to positions of significant power in the empire. These individuals colluded with the Ottomans without becoming part of them. A third group of Greeks who remained in the Greek Islands evaded daily contact with their rulers and lived the ordinary lives of Greek peasants and sailors in the previous millennium.The paper concludes with the evidence that the Greeks ended up destroying the Ottomans.
Considering Assimilation
The Ottomans and the Bulgarians
What is Greece and Who are Greeks?
Introduction of the Ottoman System
Bulgarian Society under the Turks Ottoman Domination of Eastern Europe and the Middle East
Slavery in the Arab World and the Janissaries
Dhimmis (Protected Persons)
Millets and the Phanariots
The Greek Establishment after Constantinople's Fall
Revolutionary Influences versus Ottoman Sympathizers
Greece's Revolutionary Phase
After the Revolution
Conclusion
From the Paper "It is interesting to observe that the founding father's of the United States looked to Greece and its early democracy as an ideal on which they would build post revolutionary America and that the American revolution was first fought by dissatisfied over taxed small farmers (North Carolina) and then joined eventually by members of the elite who had experience in military science and political organization. It is interesting to note that the wealthy and middle class colonists in America were very reluctant to revolt against the British especially in the early years of the revolution".
Abstract This paper examines the discussion of the complex relationships the Ottoman Turkish Empire had with her European and Middle Eastern neighbors, as presented in Suraiya Faroqhi's book "The Ottoman Empire and the World Around It". In particular, the paper examines the writing style and expertise of author Suraiya Faroqhi. The paper discusses how the book examines the time period when the Turks were the foremost power in the Muslim world, taking the title from the Arabs before them.
From the Paper "One of the most controversial and most generalized peoples that ever entered the European continent are the Turks. Beginning with the Seljuks, this ethnicity originally from near Mongolia has stayed in the European mindset, even to this day. The actions of Turkish ancestors still might be affecting modern Turkey's inadmission to the European Union."
Abstract This paper discusses considerations that need to be taken into account by the cruise ship industry. It particularly discusses the Grand Turk Cruise Center. It describes the tourist's role, customer satisfaction and on and off board problems. The paper then discusses potential changes for the future and how these would impact the cruise ship industry.
Table of Contents:
The Grand Turk Cruise Center
"She's Here"
"Full Satisfaction"
Grand Turk Cruise Center
Sampling of Sights Grand Turk's Perks
II. Ideas Regarding Relationships and Environment
The Tourist Role
The Small Caribbean Islands
Stay Away
"What's new?"
Pressure to Grow On
Caribbean Tourism: A Blight or a Blessing?
On and Off Board Problems
Fragile Balances
Discharged Pollutants' Safety Status
Societal Choices
Turtles in the Turks and Caicos Islands
III. Choices for Change
Features from the Present; Traces from the Past; Signs of Future
Artificial Versus Authentic
Stiff Solutions
Hidden Costs
Looking Back for Future Inspiration
From the Paper "Mega-ships regularly dump pollutants illegally. Cruise ships environmentally generate horrific amounts of "sewage, oily bilge water, solid waste, grey water ("down the drain" waste) and hazardous wastes," Roberts states. Waste disposal management, as well as disposal of these wastes is only sometimes enforced and most of the time improperly regulated. International environmental practices are minimal in the industry. Federal and local laws which govern waste discharges into coastal waters have not "teeth." (Roberts)"
"Cruise ships generally transport approximately 2000 passengers. The largest ship can accommodate 5000 individuals, simultaneously sailing in international waters under flags of convenience. Frequently, some crews ignore labor and international maritime standards, utilizing opportunities to abuse labor rights, as well as environmental regulations. (Roberts)"
Abstract This paper discusses the Armenian genocide that occurred at the hands of the Ottoman Empire from the start of the First World War. The paper describes the background of Armenian life and politics under the Ottoman rule. It then discusses the factors leading up to the genocide and how it was carried out by the Turks. The paper concludes by discussing the aftermath of the genocide and the subsequent denial by the Turks.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background
The Armenian People and the Coming of the Ottomans
Prelude to Disaster
Armenian Life and Politics under Ottoman Rule
Genocide
A Taste of Things to Come: The Hamidian Massacres
The Great Slaughter
Aftermath
The Agony of Turkish Denial
From the Paper "It is now more than ninety years since the slaughter came to an end. Hundreds of thousands of Armenian men, women, and children suffered and died cruel and needless deaths at the hands of the Turks. The jingoistic authorities of World War One Turkey used military disaster as an excuse to exterminate an entire people. The state that remained after the final collapse of the Ottoman Empire, in the 1920s, was overwhelmingly Muslim and Turkish. Its new rulers did everything possible to extirpate memories of the past, to cause its citizens to believe that they had acted rightly, and steadfastly, in creating a new and purified Turkey that was stronger and better than the old multi-ethnic, multi-religious empire of the sultans. Today, children in Turkish schools are not taught about the Armenian Genocide... well, at least not in those terms. The massacre of one and a half million innocent souls is glossed over, washed free of its character as a global first in the "science" of ethnic cleansing."
