American-Turkish Encounters: Politics and Culture 1830-1980

Abstract

**Abstract:** In *From the Abode of Islam to the Turkish Vatan*, Behlül Özkan explores the transformation of Turkish nationalism from its roots in the late Ottoman period to its modern articulation as a territorially defined homeland. Drawing on a rich array of primary sources, including diplomatic correspondence, educational materials, and literary works, Özkan challenges conventional narratives that equate national identity with territorial boundaries. By focusing on the concept of *vatan* (homeland), Özkan traces how the broad Ottoman notion of an "abode of Islam" was gradually redefined in terms of a distinct Turkish nation-state. The book examines key historical moments, such as the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca and the Tanzimat reforms, to illustrate how military defeats and European influences reshaped Ottoman cosmology. Through this analysis, Özkan reveals the social construction of national identity, highlighting the role of education, media, and political discourse in shaping modern Turkish nationalism. The work engages with scholarship from fields including nationalism studies, Turkish history, and geography, offering a nuanced understanding of how territorial boundaries became central to the formation of a national homeland in Turkey.

(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)