Marking 100 years of the Turkish Republic, Contemporary Turkish Studies at LSE hosted a week-long series of events and activities from 6-10 March 2023 that examined Türkiye's past, present and future through politics, international relations, education, science, culture and more.
Founded on 29 October 1923, the Turkish Republic is one of the most significant events shaping European politics after the First World War. It marked the redefinition of borders and an end to a century of wars that culminated in the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. It also marked the beginnings of global resistance to European colonisation, and Turkish republicanism, nation-building and recognition from international powers.
For Turkish Week, we hosted two panels "100 years of the Republic of Türkiye: Changing Ideas of Modernity" and "Cities in the Aftermath of the Earthquakes: Experiences, Needs and Possible Futures in Turkey", a workshop on "Inclusive Higher Education in the Age of Transnationalism"and the seminar "Nativist and Islamist Radicalism in Europe: Anger and Anxiety".
We also presented the achievements of prominent female researchers from Turkey in the forum "Celebrating Women in Science and Technology" and their contributions in the UK. Elsewhere a lecture that looked at the discourse of Orientalism and Occidentalism in Turkish and Hollywood cinemas and how they feed upon and reflect each other for "Turkey and the West: Mutually Suspicious Perceptions in Film and Television".
Our closing events featured the photography exhibition "Empowered Girls, Empowered Futures" that was curated and sponsored by the Aydın Doğan Foundation. Featuring photographs by Mustafa Seven and interviews by Melis Alphan, it celebrated the achievements of young female scientists, musicians, artists and athletes from every corner of Anatolia, Türkiye. To round off, a concert by BBC Young Musician of the Year 2010 winner Lara Melda featuring breathtaking renditions of Beethoven, Chopin and Liszt.
Following the news of the devastating earthquakes in February, the programme offered a space for reflection and communion. In taking stock of the first centennial of the Turkish Republic, important lessons and ideas were shared in how to remember and rebuild our cities, lives and communities in a difficult time of mourning.
Turkish Week was a resounding success - moving forward it has given us the framework for developing Contemporary Turkish Studies at LSE where we will continue to deepen our understanding of contemporary Türkiye and its dynamic relationship with Europe.
Experience the fascinating events that unfolded during the Turkish Week: 100 Years of the Republic by clicking on the link to watch our video.
