MUSIC AS A CULTURAL DIPLOMACY BETWEEN ISRAEL AND TURKEY (2008-2016)
MUSIC AS A CULTURAL DIPLOMACY BETWEEN ISRAEL AND TURKEY (2008-2016)

Summary/Abstract: The objective of this research is to explore how musical and cultural diplomacy have influenced political relationships between Turkey and Israel. Cultural diplomacy encompasses the exchange of ideas and information for the purpose of promoting mutually benefiting understanding between different cultural groups. Music diplomacy is the use of songs to promote respect, cooperation and understanding. The article emphasizes how Israel and Turkey have benefited from the power of music and cultural exchanges to maintain friendly ties when they have the lowest level of connection in terms of diplomatic relations. In the diplomatic crisis of two countries in 2010, the musicians, from both countries, took on the roles of peace ambassador and helped to soothe the masses through concerts. Using the constructivist theory of international relations, this article argues for promotion of culture and music as crucial diplomatic instruments for improving cooperation and communication between countries. In this context, it is very crucial to raise the highest possible levels of musical and cultural diplomacy between Israel and Turkey and to find ways to respect each other's cultural uniqueness. The topic of this article has been probed through the historical and critical method of musicology in the interdisciplinary context, including politics, international relations and cultural studies.

• Details
• Contents