The metaphorical re-identification of a terrorist organization at the gnat: An example of FETO/PSS

This thesis aims at understanding how FETO/PSS, as a terrorist organization, was subjected to a re-identification process between 2011 and 2018 by Turkey's main legislature organ and its deputies via the GNAT minutes. For this purpose, in the thesis, the documentation of the parliamentary speeches in the said period was made through metaphor analysis. Presenting a reflection of the metaphors used against terrorist organizations specific to Turkey, it is first shown how the organization had constructed its own identity during its foundational period. Then, the metaphors used to define the organization when it appeared as a threat at the national level were analyzed. As a result of the analysis, it is claimed that the re-identification of the organization was made through four basic metaphors, which were detected within the generic statements of "FETO/PSS is a messianic terrorist organization," "FETÖ/PSS is an illegal organization infiltrating state institutions," "FETO/PSS is an existential threat" and "FETO/PSS is an instrument used by foreign states against Turkey."