Turkish nationalism from empire to globalization: A comparison of Mehmet Akif Ersoy'un and Erol Güngör

When discussing the concept of globalization, reference is usually made to the borders (borderlessness) of countries. Although borders have always maintained their importance in history, in the transition from the period of empires to the nation-state, borders were redrawn and a new world order was established. Thus, globalization refers to borderlessness in a way, and it is stated that there is an inverse relationship between globalization and borders. This inverse relationship between globalization and empire can be explained through borders. While during the imperial period, a movement from borderlessness to borders can be exemplified, the concept of globalization suggests a movement from borders to borderlessness. The concept of globalization is a concept that has managed to permeate every aspect of life as it directly affects economic, political, social, and cultural fields. This wide-ranging concept of globalization has also inflamed the debates on the nation-state and nationalism due to the pandemic process, the subsequent wars, and the phenomenon of migration. Due to its cultural basis and the dynamics in the process of becoming a nation-state, Turkish nationalism has generally experienced tides between conservatism and modernity. In this respect, our study focuses on Turkish nationalism through Mehmet Akif Ersoy, who lived in the Imperial period, and Erol Güngör, who lived in the period when the concrete nuclei of globalization were seen. It has been mentioned that there were similar reactions to the destructive results of globalization on the axis of culture within the framework of Turkish nationalism in two different periods. These reactions are generally focused on culture, religion, and national unity. At the end of the study, the mutualist relationship between Islamism and nationalism is emphasized. Within the scope of the discussion, the writings of Mehmet Akif Ersoy and Erol Güngör, in other words, mainly primary sources were included. Secondary sources were also used to develop the discussion