Redefining the Nation: Shifting Boundaries of the ‘Other’ in Greece and Turkey

2011/01/01 by Ioannis Ν. Grigoriadis · 10 citations
Mathematics · Social Sciences · #Aesthetics #Balkans: History, Politics, Society #Boundary (topology) #Gender studies #Identity (music) #Law #Linguistics #Mathematics #National identity #Philosophy #Political economy #Political science #Politics #Sociology #Turkish

paper · doi:10.1080/00263206.2011.536632

published in Middle Eastern Studies 47(1), 167-182 (Taylor & Francis)

openalex publication_date 2011/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29

Abstract

While Greek and Turkish nationalisms have followed diverse historical paths, they share several features. Following the model of Zimmer, this study explores how inclusive and exclusive boundary mechanisms have shaped Greek and Turkish national identity and which symbolic resources were utilized in these processes. It is argued that a shift from the use of voluntaristic to that of organic boundary mechanisms has characterized both Greek and Turkish nationalisms and influenced the definition of national ‘self’ and ‘other’. This study aims to track a pattern of historic-political conditions which favour a shift from voluntaristic towards organic models of defining the nation and discuss possible future trends.

Citations

• From Rum Millet to Greek Nation: Enlightenment, Secularization, and National Identity in Ottoman Balkan Society, 1453-1821

Cited by

• Greece–Turkey relations [wikipedia]

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