Turkish political doctrine of «Neo-Ottomanism»: between symbolic and real content

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the modern foreign policy doctrine of the Turkish Republic, usually labeled as Neo-Ottomanism. Turkeys leading politicians have declared their commitment to the Ottoman heritage. The latter is also actively promoted through television series and historical cinematography. The authors also note the internal political aspect of Neo-Ottomanism, aimed at softening interethnic relations and consolidating the country around the common historical heritage. However, based on the analysis of the real political practice of the Turkish leadership, the authors come to the conclusion about its predominantly symbolic (declarative-populist) purpose without denying the presence of Neo-Ottomanism in the Turkish political discourse. In their opinion, there is no reason to oppose the current political course of the Turkish leadership to the Kemalist heritage, the adherence to which, although not manifested as actively and vividly as the connection with the Ottoman tradition, is also inscribed in the populist discourse of the emergence of a new and great Turkey. R.T. Erdogan and his closest associates have a wide range of similar symbolic instruments, but in its real political practice, the Turkish leadership proceeds from the pragmatic interests of its country, which allows it to maintain and develop relations with various powers located at different geopolitical poles.