Turkish Israeli Relations Through The Lens Of The Turkish Public

The Complex Dynamics of Turkish-Israeli Relations

Over the years, the relationship between Turkey and Israel has been both intriguing and volatile, with moments of cooperation and periods of severe strain. Understanding this complex relationship requires an examination of the attitudes and perceptions shared among the Turkish public regarding Israel.

The Historical Context

Historical events shape the perceptions of nations, and Turkish-Israeli relations are no exception. The establishment of Israel in 1948 was seen by many Turks as a positive endeavor, aligning with the nationalist aspirations of the Turkish Republic. However, subsequent conflicts and geopolitical changes have significantly altered the perception of Israel among the Turkish public.

The Israeli occupation of Palestine and the continued expansion of settlements have placed a strain on Turkish-Israeli relations. The Palestinian issue has become a cornerstone of Turkish foreign policy towards Israel, with many Turkish citizens viewing Israel's actions as oppressive and unjust. This sentiment has sparked widespread public protests and shaped the Turkish government's stance on various international platforms.

The Crescent Moon and the Magen David: Turkish-Israeli Relations Through the Lens of the Turkish Public

by Jean-Paul Roux(Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
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Public Opinion and Antisemitism

It is essential to distinguish between the Turkish public's criticism of the Israeli government and potential anti-Semitic sentiments. While some individuals may harbor prejudices, the majority of Turkish people draw a clear distinction between Jewish people and the policies of the State of Israel.

Public opinion surveys indicate that Turkish citizens often express grievances with Israeli policies, particularly regarding the Palestinian conflict. However, these surveys also reveal that Turkish people desire peaceful coexistence and normal diplomatic relations with Israel, like with any other nation.

The influence of media coverage on public perceptions cannot be understated. The Turkish media often emphasizes the suffering of Palestinians and human rights abuses, thereby fueling negative sentiments towards Israeli policies. However, it is crucial to note that there is a growing movement within Turkey that advocates for a more balanced approach in reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian issue.

Economic and Political Factors

Economic and political considerations play an important role in shaping Turkish-Israeli relations. Despite political tensions, trade between the two countries has remained relatively stable. Both Israel and Turkey recognize the benefits of economic cooperation and maintain various bilateral agreements. The economic ties, including tourism, trade, and technological collaborations, have acted as stabilizing factors amid diplomatic strains.

Furthermore, political elements, such as the influence of the pro-Palestinian sentiment within Turkey's ruling party, affect the relationship. The AKP (Justice and Development Party) has been critical of Israel's policies and has voiced support for the Palestinians. This political stance resonates with a significant portion of the Turkish public, impacting the overall perception of Turkish-Israeli relations.

The Role of Religion and Identity

Religious and cultural identities also play a significant role in shaping Turkish attitudes towards Israel. Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, and Islam holds great importance in the lives of its citizens. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is often framed within the broader context of the Muslim world's struggle against perceived injustices.

As a result, many Turkish citizens view the Palestinian cause as an issue of Muslim solidarity, invoking their sense of identity and religious duty. This religious aspect deepens the emotional connection to the Palestinian struggle and contributes to the overall perception of Turkish-Israeli relations.

Understanding Turkish-Israeli relations through the lens of the Turkish public offers valuable insights into the complexities surrounding this relationship. Historical events, media coverage, economic and political factors, as well as religious and cultural identities, all shape the perceptions and attitudes of the Turkish people towards Israel.

While the relationship has faced significant strain at times, there remains a desire for peaceful coexistence and diplomatic engagement. It is essential to continue open dialogue and promote mutual understanding to foster more positive Turkish-Israeli relations in the future.

The Crescent Moon and the Magen David: Turkish-Israeli Relations Through the Lens of the Turkish Public

by Jean-Paul Roux(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1545 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	216 pages

FREE

The nationalist outlook of the Turkish state since the beginning of the Republican era in 1923 targeted uniform identity formation. While Turkey did not recognize the existence of ethnic identities as long as they were Muslim, non-Muslims were challenging this ideal. During this social engineering, the religious minorities and the state had very turbulent relations based on mistrust, resulting in many discriminative legislations. The Republican story of the Jews provides significant insight to highlight the difficulties and challenges encountered in the formation of the Turkish Republic as well as the changes in the Turkish public with the new nation state in effect.
Following the Second World War, a new state was established in the Middle East. During the Cold War, the Soviet threat led Turkey to recognize the State of Israel, established as a Jewish state. The main reasoning of Turkey in recognizing Israel was to be accepted to the Western camp. While the bilateral relations of Turkey and Israel increased gradually, a surprisingly high number of Turkish Jews, nearly 40 percent of the Jewish community in Turkey, immigrated to the new country.
This book is an attempt to investigate the establishment of the State of Israel, Turkey’s recognition of the Jewish state and its repercussions on the Turkish public between the years 1936 and 1956. It explains the establishment of the State of Israel and the first three decades of the Turkish Republic. It includes the religious minorities of Turkey, with a special focus on the Jewish community as it is one of the major links between Turkey and Israel. It combines Turkish public reaction to the establishment and recognition of the State of Israel, shedding light on the reasons of the mass Jewish immigration, which is at the same time the second biggest immigration out of Turkey after the labor immigration to Europe starting from the 1960s.