How to Invent a Country Turkey - Ottoman or Turk
Nov 20, 2023
Hannah Lucinda Smith, an expert on Turkish politics, Christopher de Bellaigue, a historian of the Ottoman Empire, and journalist Misha Glenny delve into Turkey’s rich yet complicated history. They explore how the Ottoman legacy shapes modern Turkish identity and perceptions. The conversation shifts to Istanbul’s cultural diversity, the challenges of minority communities, and a witty misadventure in the city. They also discuss Suleiman the Magnificent’s historical impact, including the pivotal Battle of Mohács, and its influence on contemporary nationalist sentiments.
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Choosing The Asian Side Of Istanbul
- Hannah Lucinda Smith describes choosing the Asian side of Istanbul after falling in love with the ferry journey and neighborhood vibe.
- She lives in Kadıköy and highlights its mixed Greek, Levantine and minority heritage visible in churches and old family properties.
Neighborhoods Emptied By Violence And Migration
- Smith recounts the decline of Istanbul's Greek and Armenian communities after 1950s pogroms and the 1974 Cyprus war.
- She describes abandoned wooden houses collapsing as descendants dispute ownership or properties are repossessed.
Cosmopolitanism Was Built By Minorities
- Smith argues Istanbul's historical cosmopolitanism went beyond superficial diversity; minorities formed the city's core culture.
- She notes Muslims arrived later and that Sephardic Jews and other groups had deep, long-standing roots.