From Ottoman script to Latin alphabet: The role of the Western-centered international system on the realization of the alphabet reform in Türki̇ye

This thesis argues that the alphabet reform, which has been a subject of controversy since its implementation, can be understood beyond its boundaries by tracing its underlying driving force back to the Western-centric international system that took root during the decline and collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Using Erving Goffman's stigma theory and Norbert Elias' distinction between the Established and the Outsiders, the thesis explores how the Western-centered international system affects Türkiye's identity formation. The dominant norms and standards of the Western-centric international system were constructed based on the shared attributes of its established members. Any elements falling outside of these shared attributes were stigmatized. In the 19th century international system, a hierarchical structure prevailed, where Western countries occupied a privileged position as established , while non-Western, non-European, and non-Christian countries were categorized as outsiders. Consequently, these states that did not conform to Western norms experienced stigmatization, which profoundly impacted their perceptions. As non-Western state communities sought acceptance and legitimacy in international relations, the process of modernization intensified these sentiments. Most countries endeavored to align their domestic and foreign policies with Western ideals to overcome perceived stigmatization. This effort involved comprehensive reforms and a pursuit of modernity to secure their position in the international community and bridge the gap between established and outsiders. This thesis argues that the alphabet reform was Türkiye's attempt to rectify its stigma and that it was carried out with the aim of finding a place in the Western-centered international system. As a result, numerous states actively engaged with global norms and institutions, striving to rectify their non-Western stigma and be recognized as established. This dynamic highlights the historical significance of the relationship between Western and non-Western states within the international system, illustrating the complexities of identity, acceptance, and legitimacy-seeking in a global context.