2012/06/27 by Türkay Salim Nefes · 2 citations
Social Sciences · #Crime, Deviance, and Social Control #Misinformation and Its Impacts #Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and Political Violence
paper · doi:10.1111/j.1467-6443.2012.01434.x
openalex publication_date 2012/06/27 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Abstract This paper investigates the history of social constructions, principally conspiracy theories, about a crypto‐Jewish group, the Dönmes, in Turkey. It considers the socio‐political reasons for the conspiracy theories and their significance by analysing their contents in different periods. The findings suggest that the fluid identity of Dönmes makes them stranger figures, in a sociological sense, creates public mistrust and encourages conspiratorial explanations. Moreover, the study shows that the conspiracy theories surrounding Dönmes are also fed by the ontological insecurities of Turkish politics, and that conspiracy theories tend to have appeal for alienated groups during major social transformations.