Identity Construction of Europe by Othering: A Case Study of Turkey and the EU Relations from a Cultural Perspective
Identity Construction of Europe by Othering: A Case Study of Turkey and the EU Relations from a Cultural Perspective

Summary/Abstract: This paper aims to emphasize the “othering” concept as the constructing element of the identity and to show the transformability of the identity and othering concepts on the basis of European identity. The other is created by the self to help and strengthen the construction and acceptance of the new identity of the self. Therefore, both the self and the other are abstract concepts of construct, and are open to change. The paper will focus on the EU-Turkey relations as a case study to show that the European identity and its definition of its other have changed throughout time depending on the historical framework of the world. Most of the time, ideology, power structures and religion are influential on these changes. The constructed European identity will either create a multicultural and open society to be all-encompassing, or a culturally homogeneous society trying to assimilate its minorities and exclude Turkey.

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