Introduction
Anthropology in Turkey is a rich context of gradual changes in people’s culture, social platform and political administration. Political and cultural heritage are among the key elements that have undergone the immense transformation. Efforts towards unification of the Turkish nation depicts change. These efforts led to the dissemination of Ataturk cult to unify the Nation. In the political realm, the first and second constituting declarations pivot the turning point. The 1990s saw the transformation of the PKK strategy with the aim of becoming a democratizing force in Turkey. This paper discusses the state of anthropology in Turkey, emerging trends, limitations and some of the themes focused in anthropology in Turkey.
Characteristics of Anthropology in Turkey.
Politics, socio-cultural organization and religion, are among the features of the anthropology of the Turkish people. In the socio-cultural context, a clear distinction can be drawn between the women wearing the head scarf and the feminist counterparts (Seyan-Cengiz, 2014). However, socio- culture positions the family as inseparable from politics. The family, therefore, owns the youths as a subject base for political priorities. The family directly bears political consequences. According to Neyz (2015), Young men and women who joined Kurdish youth and both the state and family viewed them as the guerrillas. The Camondos became important figures after the fall of the leading Jewish families (Seni, 1994, p. 664).
Emergence and developments
The social and political reforms administered by Atatürk in the 1930s were welcomed and still live with the Turkish people (Özyürek, 2004). Policy and social changes imposed by Ataturk include; civil rights, republicanism, secularism and women's political rights. In what seems like a return of favor to the founding father, Atatürk’s memory has been part of Turkish society and politics. His portraits and statutes are familiar figures in public places such as schools, airports, and public offices. Thirteen years after Atatürk’s death, Adnan, the then prime minister, passed a Law Concerning Crimes committed against the founding father (Özyürek, 2004). This law was s demonstration of respect to Atatürk even after his death. Another important scenario was the country-wide blocking of YouTube platform by the high court after discovering insults on Ataturk.
Themes studied by Anthropologist from Turkey
The anthropologists from Turkey have studied ethnology, Imagery, and Kemalism, nationalism, among others. Anthropologists have studied Kemalism since the founding father Atatürk implemented it in separating the independent Turkish state from Ottoman Empire. Kemalism was established to help restore democracy political equality of women and secularism. Kemalism also promoted free education and supported sciences. These ideas were achieved under Ataturk in his reign as president of independent Turkey. Citizens have used Imagery to show their loyalty. The commodification of Atatürk's image is a clear indication that the Turkish are promoting the circulation of their political representations through buying and even selling the pictures in different portraits (Ozyurek, 2004). Kemalism enshrined the theme of Nationalism. Nationalism aimed at creating a nation that prevails on unity out of the broken Ottoman Empire. In the early years of the Republic of Turkey, villages were considered as the authentic core of the nation (Zeybek, 2011, p. 102).
How to locate the Anthropology of Turkey within the wider discipline.
Anthropology of Turkey holds a unique position and ideologies that are peculiar. Atatürk serves are revolutionist whose principles and ideas long living even after him. However the diversity this culture can be located through participation in some of the cultural practices. For example an anthropologist can enjoy the richness of Turkish culture by practicing ney-playing (Senay, 2015).
Contributions, limitations and emerging trends.
Through Kemalism, civil and political rights of women were recognized. This recognition led to their support and empowerment (Zeybeck, 2011). The reign of Atatürk's government prioritized free education. Trends in the political realm are some of the emerging issues manifested in the anthropology of Turkey. Consumption has over time been turned into the political arena. Consumption offers an opportunity for political purposes rather than being a unifying factor among the citizens. As quoted by ozbudun (2011), the medical doctors were privileged to have western education.
References
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Senay, B. (2015) Masterful words: musicianship and ethics in learning the ney: Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute (N.S.)21,524-541
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