The reproduction of national identity in historical films after 2000 in the Turkish cinema

The concept of identity is constantly being constructed in relation to the notion of "other" within the dichotomy of us versus them. Similarly the construction of the notion of national identity has not finalized yet, instead, it is also constantly being reconstructed. The mass media, which permeate every areas of everyday life, function as "identity reminders". Due to this characteristic, the mass media in general and movies in particular have an active role in construction and re-construction of national identity. Cultural sphere designates a space for hegemonic struggle and the phenomenon of nationalism/national identity is also a part of this struggle, taking place at the cultural sphere. The purpose of this study is to state how national identity is being reconstructed in the Turkish movies in post-2000. With that purpose descriptive analyzes method is used for case study. The target population of the study is the historical movies of Turkish Cinema that are filmed after 2000. The five movies namely, 120, Fetih 1453, Çanakkale 1915, Taş Mektep ve Çanakkale Yolun Sonu are selected for the sample group with purposeful sampling method. The five movies are studied with regard to the following five categories of "descriptions and characteristics of us/them", "the symbols and signs that crystallize us/them dichotomy", "the construction of us/them via heroism and triumphs", "the construction of us/them via values", "the symbols and images that are used in the construction of national identity", by employing the method of descriptive analysis. Keywords: Identity, National Identity, Historical Films, Turkish Cinema, Post-2000.