I have already given the link earlier.
The writer is William Armstrong, an editor at Hurriyet Daily News.
The article was published on May 14, 2017.
On the occasion of Reccep Tayyip Erdogan's US visit the author diverted from dry political analysis to present the political status from the point of view inspired by the 'bombastic' three seasons of popular Turkish television show Dirilish-Erutrul (Resurrection Ertugrul). The 'loaded' tagline was National Awakening.
Apparently the Turkish mood, and even US political mood, can be adjudged by the popularity of their TV shows. Ever since emergence of Erdogan's party coming to power the TV shows are their prime exports.
At the end it is a bitter culture war between religious conservatives and more secular-minded cultural elites. It is not Islamization but nationalism and corresponding aspirations. It is also an exercise in political legitimization and it is an escape to virtual reality from harsh reality. Erdogan expertly exploits the public mood for political gain using poetry and songs.
The writer is William Armstrong, an editor at Hurriyet Daily News.
The article was published on May 14, 2017.
On the occasion of Reccep Tayyip Erdogan's US visit the author diverted from dry political analysis to present the political status from the point of view inspired by the 'bombastic' three seasons of popular Turkish television show Dirilish-Erutrul (Resurrection Ertugrul). The 'loaded' tagline was National Awakening.
This chimes with the spirit of the age after Mr. Erdogan framed the constitutional referendum in April as a struggle against enemies of the Turkish nation and domestic traitors.
Apparently the Turkish mood, and even US political mood, can be adjudged by the popularity of their TV shows. Ever since emergence of Erdogan's party coming to power the TV shows are their prime exports.
The first season featured a Turkish campaign against Crusaders in Anatolia, the second season battles against the Mongols, the third season war with the Christian Byzantines.Not only the political temperature but national mood is captured by the shows.
At the end it is a bitter culture war between religious conservatives and more secular-minded cultural elites. It is not Islamization but nationalism and corresponding aspirations. It is also an exercise in political legitimization and it is an escape to virtual reality from harsh reality. Erdogan expertly exploits the public mood for political gain using poetry and songs.