Russian orientalism: Turkey and Turks in the Russian travelogues in the second half of the 19th century

This thesis explores selected Russian travelogues about Turkey published in the second half of the 19th century. It examines the ways in which Turks and Turkey were described in Russian travelogues within the context of orientalism. In this context, travelogues that were written by the authors, some of whom had academic titles and/or were still working in the field of history, literature, and education in Russia during this period were examined. In addition, two travelogues written by women travel writers were also examined. Along with the traditional travelogues of these authors, the articles, and memoirs in the form of travel books written following their scientific travels are also included in the scope of this thesis. Continuing identity debates in Russia throughout the 19th century played an important role in shaping approaches of the author of travelogues towards Turkey and Turks. Conservatives emphasizing the Russian identity and liberal westernist writers emphasizing the European identity of the Russians, along with their own ideological thinking, developed an orientalist discourse against Turkey and Turks in their travelogues. In addition to making an important contribution to the formation of the academic orientalist tradition in Russia, the Eastern languages schools established in the 19th century also hosted academic writers who were active in these schools and played a role in the formation of a negative perception towards the "other" in their travel books. Periodicals published in the political and ideological environment of the second half of the 19th century Russia were also examined as they could be considered as a tool of Russian orientalism, due to the publication of several travelogues in line with the expansionist Russian foreign policy, for propaganda purposes and to create public opinion. While there is a general orientalist approach towards Turkey and Turks in the travelogues handled with this background, a different orientalist language than the European travelogues has been used on some issues due to ideological reasons. Keywords: Orientalism, Russian Orientalism, Travelogue, Turkey, Turks