Northern Ireland conflicts: Ethnical nationalism and identity

This study aims to examine the many issues and problems associated with Northern Ireland through the phenomena of ethnic nationalism and identity. In this context, the basis of the ethno-symbolic approach of nationalistic concepts and the identity constructions of both the Catholic and Protestant communities in Northern Ireland were examined. In addition, the concepts of ethnicity and identity have been explained and it has been revealed how religious differences and sectarian attitudes affect the ethnic identities of those societies over time. Furthermore, the historic influence of Britain on the island of Ireland and the resulting Irish nationalist movement have been examined in terms of this historical process. The organizations established in the name of Irish nationalism were explored; explaining how the Irish Republican Army initially lost public support through its later activities in the struggle for Irish Unity and its subsequent role in the peace process. In addition, in order to better explain the historical background of the issue, important Irish nationalist leaders who played a role in the struggle for independence were included and their role in the process was highlighted. As a result of this study, it is concluded that ethnic identities are not fixed but can be changed and reshaped according to historical and political conditions. In the case of Northern Ireland, societies have taken action as a result of external pressures and have thus reshaped their ethnic identities throughout this process. Keywords: Northern Ireland, Identity, Ethnic Nationalism, IRA