World War I saw the Osman Empire fall, while a number of new states saw the light of day, among them Turkey. The new country’s population was not very homogeneous, and consisted of a number of different ethnic groups in addition to the Turks, among them Kurds, Armenians and Yazidis.
What status were given to the various ethnic groups? To what extent were they allowed to practice their own religions, speak their own languages and retain a visible culture? And to what extent was this considered a threat to the Turkish assimilatory nation state project? How has the situation changed for the various minorities over the years that have passed since the creation of the Turkish state?
Historian Seda Altuğ gives an introduction before meeting political scientist Gareth Stansfi eld, sociologist Abbas Vali and writer Mustafa Can in conversation. Musical contribution by Ferhat Tunç.
The seminar is a collaboration between Kirkelig kulturverksted and The House of Literature.
English With Seda Altuğ, Gareth Stansfi eld and Abbas Vali Wergeland Litteraturhuset Saladindagene 2016