Is it because I am French, nourished by the readings of Anatole France's "Ottoman" books, such as "Thaïs," set in the Turkey that fascinated him, that I became interested in the Turkish world at an early age? Certainly, the readings of Pierre Loti's "Aziyadé," whose house in Istanbul can still be visited, or Gustave Flaubert's "Voyage en Orient," may have influenced my childhood. There were also Voltaire's "Zadig," the works of Lord Byron, Goethe, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, all fascinated by Turkey and the East, inspiring admiration for this great nation. However, it was most likely "Les Secrets de la Mer Rouge," a book written by Henri de Monfreid, a French adventurer and writer from the early 20th century, that fueled my adolescent imagination about the formidable presence of the Ottomans in territories as remote as the Afars and the Issas.
What fascinates the Westerner about Turkey today? History, first and foremost. Turkey has a rich and complex history, with diverse cultural influences ranging from ancient civilizations to the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Culture, next. Turkey possesses a unique culture that combines Asian and European influences. Islam, of course. Turkey inherits Muslim dynasties that have shaped the history of Islam and imposed an Ottoman interpretation of the Quran. Lastly, the courage of a nation. Turkey speaks boldly, refusing to yield its dreams to the current great powers. As a Frenchman, humiliated by decades of French governments subservient to the interests of rootless finance, Turkey, patriotic and Muslim, commands respect.
Turkey aspires to regain its status as a dominant nation within a Neo-Ottoman empire. This is the assertion I make. Turkey has the potential to become a significant power. Since the founding of the Turkish Republic in 1923, Turkey has experienced periods of rapid economic growth, particularly in recent times, and has played an increasingly important role in regional and global affairs. Turkey is, in my conviction, a strong and resilient nation that can reclaim its status as a dominant nation within a Neo-Ottoman empire.
This essay explores various aspects that continue to captivate the West about Turkey. It delves into its rich and complex history, its unique cultural synthesis, its Islamic heritage, and its unwavering determination. It highlights Turkey's refusal to surrender its aspirations to the prevailing great powers. The essay also explores different facets of Turkish culture, such as Ottoman architecture, music, calligraphy, literature, ceramics, fashion, and the vibrant Turkish artistic community. It acknowledges the contributions of Ottoman and Turkish intellectuals, religious figures, and artists who have enriched the cultural tapestry of Turkey.
In conclusion, "500 Million Neo-Ottomans" offers a captivating journey into the history, culture, and contemporary aspirations of Turkey. The author firmly believes that Turkey has the potential to reclaim its status as a dominant nation within a Neo-Ottoman empire, driven by its strength, resilience, and unwavering determination. This essay provides a unique and enlightening perspective that will interest anyone seeking to understand the dynamics at play in this fascinating nation.
