The establishment process of European identity and Turkey- EU relations

The relations between Turkey and the European Economic Community started with Turkey's membership application in the Cold War era in 1959. Throughout the Cold War period, when security concerns were the main factors determining the nature of the relationships, the relations between the parties had progressed in a rather positive framework. But, after the Cold War, when threats were off the table and the process of reconstructing the "European Identity" has started, Turkey and the EU re-identified each other, and the previous positive framework disappeared. In this new context, identity-based discussions have developed in relation to Turkey's possible membership. With a new understanding of security in the international context after the Cold War, and a perception of "Islamic terror" after the 9/11 have marginalized Muslims in Europe. As a result, identity-based discriminatory remarks have increased and this has influenced also the relations between the EU and Turkey. Following that, this thesis analyses the ways in which the identity-based arguments resulting from the construction of European Identity is reflected in the relationships between the EU and Turkey. It is highlighted that, although the identity-based remarks provide an obstacle before the membership of Turkey, these identity-based obstacles can be removed if the relationships are mutually reconstructed. Key Words: Turkey, European Union, European In detity, Construction of Identity, Social Constructivism