Publisher's Synopsis
- Türkiye's Lost Century: The Illusion of Türkiye's Modernization
Ali Kemal Dogan's Türkiye's Lost Century is a bold and provocative analysis of Turkey's political and social evolution over the last century. It critically examines how the promise of modernization and democracy has been overshadowed by authoritarianism, nationalism, and state control. Through a deep historical and philosophical lens, Dogan explores the contradictions between the official narratives of progress and the reality of political oppression, economic struggles, and the systematic restriction of individual freedoms.
At the heart of the book lies the argument that Turkey's modernization has been largely an illusion, used as a tool to maintain power rather than to achieve true democratic reform. Dogan traces the historical development of the Republic, from the collapse of the Ottoman Empire to the rise of a centralized state that prioritized ideological dominance over pluralism. He argues that rather than fostering a free and open society, the state constructed a rigid national identity that suppressed dissent, marginalized ethnic and religious groups, and stifled independent thought.
One of the book's key themes is the conflict between state authority and personal liberty. Dogan challenges the legitimacy of a system that claims to be democratic while systematically silencing opposition. He critically examines events such as political purges, military coups, and nationalist movements that have reinforced authoritarian control under the guise of protecting national unity. The book also explores the role of education, media, and law in shaping public perception and sustaining an unquestioned allegiance to state power.
Dogan's work is not just a critique of the past; it is also a call to action for the future. He argues that for Turkey to achieve real freedom, it must break free from state-imposed myths and embrace a democratic identity based on human rights, social justice, and historical accountability. By analyzing the mistakes of the past and presenting solutions for the future, Türkiye's Lost Century serves as both a historical examination and a political manifesto, urging readers to rethink the meaning of progress, power, and identity in modern Turkey.
