Sociological analysis of the Turkish army in the context of modernization and social change

Military sociology examines the social, political, and economic aspects of the military and their societal consequences, addressing issues such as discipline, socialization, education, leadership, culture, family structures, and civil-military relations. In Turkish modernization, the military has functioned not only as a defense institution but also as a leading actor of social transformation, playing a central role from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic in reshaping education, technology, economy, and cultural values. In recent history, events such as the Ergenekon and Balyoz trials, the July 15 coup attempt, the cadet incident, and oath-taking controversies have highlighted the ongoing significance of civil-military relations, shaping public perceptions and deepening ideological debates. Such dynamics constitute a social problem requiring sociological inquiry, defined by its broad impact, identifiable sources, and potential for solutions (Adak, 2018). This dissertation examines the role of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) in modernization and social transformation from historical and contemporary perspectives. Using a qualitative methodology, in-depth interviews with participants from diverse backgrounds were thematically analyzed and compared with historical documents and literature. Findings show that the TAF has acted not only as a security provider but also as a founding actor, ideological guide, and tool of social engineering. While carrying modernization, it has generated both trust and tension in society. Developments in the defense industry, women's institutional representation, secularism, and political stance emerge as key themes of this multidimensional interaction. In conclusion, the TAF's influence on Turkey's modernization is multilayered. This dissertation offers a sociological framework for understanding the role of military institutions in social transformation and contributes both theoretically and empirically to military sociology.