Mefkure mi aksiyon mu: Türkiye'de milliyetçilik düşüncesinin gelişiminde Mehmet İzzet Bey

In this thesis, after examining nationalism conceptually and theoretically, the adventure of nationalism in the history of Turkish thought is discussed and the views of Mehmet İzzet Bey, a thinker who witnessed the transformation processes of nationalism, were analyzed. Nationalism has experienced radical changes in both thought and fact. As a result of the changes in the meaning and manner of realization, nationalism has moved away from its original context. Nationalism was reinterpreted, especially in times of crisis and chaos, under the influence of different approaches. The understanding of ummah-based nationalism that emerged in the history of Turkish thought in the 1860s has turned into a homeland-based nationalism over time. Later, a nationality / race-based approach came to the fore. With the establishment of the Turkish Republic, nationalism has been turned into an ideology by Kemalism. As to today, nationalism is perceived in a very different way. This context-based transformation has removed the notion of nationalism from its core. Intellectual nationalism deals with nationalism conceptually and theoretically with an academic method. Mehmet İzzet Bey is the pioneer of intellectual nationalism. He treats nationalism as a stage that must take place before reaching the humanitarian patriotism stage. He regards nationality and nationalism as a higher notion than race, geography, economics, language, tradition, history, and civilization. Mehmet İzzet Bey and his intellectual understanding of nationalism have been ignored because it addresses nationalism regardless of politics and context. Philosophical debates were not considered remarkable by the society and intellectuals when a hasty approach to seek solutions to current problems. In this study, it was revealed that Mehmet İzzet Bey was as valuable as many names such as Ziya Gokalp, Yusuf Akçura, Ismail Gaspıralı for Turkish thought. Mehmet İzzet Bey, who defines nationalism as a sacred goal, is an intellectual who is uncommon even today with his critical and questioning thought method. The views of Mehmet İzzet Bey should be introduced to the world in order to understand nationalism correctly and find a useful direction to humanity.