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A descriptive analysis of the Turkish conservative right of the 1960s in the quotidian realm
The 1960s was a decade characterized by youth movements, new cultural alignments, student revolts and many anti-establishment movements all around the world. Turkey was no exception. Many studies have focused on the left side of the political spectrum yet only a few historical accounts of the conservative, right-wing movements of the era exist. This thesis intends to shed light on the less-focused, poorly-elaborated social and cultural dynamics of Turkish conservatism during the 1960s. Through an examination of the periodical articles penned by prominent proponents of conservatism, the thesis aims to outline the broad political and ideological currents of the era. Attention will be devoted to the staunch opposition to communism, a heavy emphasis on nationalism and an increasing salience of Islamism in periodicals such as Babıali'de Sabah, Bugün and Yeni İstanbul as well as periodicals Büyük Doğu, Diriliş, Milli Gençlik, Milli Yol, Orkun, Selamet, Tohum, Toprak, Türk Düşüncesi and Türk Yurdu, all of which have been inadequately used by pundits of Turkish conservatism. For a background to Turkish conservatism of the era, the global dynamics of conservatism has also been presented, particularly as it developed initially in the European experiences. The study of conservative periodicals of the time reveals the intense emphasis on morality which is considered as the best antidote to communism and other left-wing currents. In this respect, the thesis problematizes the themes revolving around the notion of morality as perceived by Turkish conservatists of the 1960sç
The state formation in eastern provinces in the early republican era: The case of the People's Houses
This dissertation examines the complex historical dimensions of state formation in the Republican era in massively Kurdish populated Eastern provinces focusing on the institutionalization of the People's Houses (Halkevleri), between 1932 and 1951. In the literature even though there are varying interpretations as to how successful or failed the state in Eastern localities it tries to penetrate, People's Houses have been put forward empirical evidences of an independently existing central and autonomous state. This study examines how the People's Houses in the Eastern provinces ruled by the exceptional state regime functioned and existed in encountering spaces, beyond binary oppositions such as success/failure, strong/weak of the state or mere obedience and silence or resistance of the people. This thesis first analyzes the discursive, political and administrative organization of the People's Houses in the East within the limits of the struggle and negotiation of state and local residents. Secondly, it draws an analytical picture of the dynamic and contested relations and phenomena in the physical space of Halkevleri. Third, it analyzes everyday forms of publicness and socialization in which the tactics and strategies of actors producing People's Houses' space are more salient. Finally, it examines the People's Houses and the state's violent practices of linguistic assimilation in the context of the state's boundaries of "inclusion and exclusion" and the subjects' multiple ways of coping. This dissertation demonstrates that People's Houses and the East are shaped and produced by multiple interactions and power relations in spaces of encounter.
Demographic engineering, forced migration and resettlement policies in General Inspectorates
This thesis attempts to focus on General Inspectorates which were active institutions between 1927-1952, by looking at them in context of demographic engineering, forced migration and resettlement policies. Population policies which are inevitable requirement for the nation-building process, are tried to be understood with this institution. The effectivity of General Inspectorates in the Eastern parts of Turkey are tried to be shown, even if they create a small part of this broader project. In addition to these, this thesis highlights the importance of the General Inspectorates' intermediary role to impose the centralized power as decentralized units. This thesis which mostly bases on information from the Republican archive, attempts to examine nation-building process and demographic engineering policies by giving examples from the implementations of the General Inspectorates in the Eastern provinces.