An Eastern player in European competition. Turkish identity in the context of football Cover Image

Wschodni gracz w europejskich rozgrywkach. Tożsamość turecka w kontekście piłki nożnej
An Eastern player in European competition. Turkish identity in the context of football

Author(s): Piotr Małczyński
Subject(s): Nationalism Studies, Sports Studies, Identity of Collectives
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego
Keywords: Turkey; national identity; nationalism; football; sport;

Summary/Abstract: Football is an important tool of reproduction of Turkish national identity. The possibility of using sports in the nation‑building process was recognized by the Kemalists. In their view, the role of sport was to modernise Turkish society along the lines of European countries. Nowadays Turkish football is an integral part of the European competition system. On the one hand, the Turkish national team has become a showcase for the country – an element of creating a positive image. On the other hand, it is an institution around which the creation and recreation of national identity takes place. The identity‑forming impact of Turkish football extends beyond Turkey’s borders. Turkish football is of interest to the diaspora, who use it to manifest ethnicity. Football is part of the fundamental dilemma of Turkish identity. In the context of the games, the „Europeanness” or „Easternness” of the Turks is considered.

  • Issue Year: 2023
  • Issue No: 17
  • Page Range: 57 - 72
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: Polish
Toggle Accessibility Mode