At the Boundaries of Europe, from the InterWar Period to Post-Second World War: Turkey and Europeanism

Abstract

This chapter delves into Turkey´s evolution and its European-leaning identity as a state situated on the fringes of Europe during the specified period in the title, up the early 2000s. Examining Turkey´s political and social trajectory from the collapse of the Ottoman Emipre to the dawn of the new millennium, it underscores the persistent Eurocentric perspective that the Turkish Republic has embraced since its inception. Founded by President Ataturk, the Republic´s visionary, through decisive decree, this orientation has undergone gradual evolution over time. Additionally, the chapter comtemplates the challenge of unanimously delineating the boundaries of this venerable continent.