The Turkishness Contract

The Turkishness Contract

From Ottoman History Podcast by Ottoman History Podcast

March 16, 2026

About this episode

This episode explores the concept of Turkishness through a discussion with sociologist Barış Ünlü, examining its historical roots and implications for identity.

with Barış Ünlü hosted by Chris Gratien and Kubra Sagir | What does it mean to be Turkish? In this episode, we examine that question with sociologist Barış Ünlü. In The Turkishness Contract , Ünlü studies the historical process by which Turkishness developed through a contractual relationship between the state and its citizens. In our conversation, we explore the late Ottoman roots of this process, as well as how the experiences of non-Turkish religious and ethnolinguistic groups shed light onto the often unspoken and unconscious behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs that govern Turkishness. We also discuss the book's wide reception in Turkish and how in its new English translation, Ünlü connects the Turkish experience to global perspectives on race and belonging in the modern world. « Click for More »

People in this episode

Hosts: Chris Gratien, Kubra Sagir

Guest: Barış Ünlü

Topics covered

  • Turkishness
  • sociology
  • Ottoman history
  • ethnic identity
  • race and belonging

Keywords

  • Turkishness
  • sociology
  • Ottoman roots
  • ethnolinguistic groups
  • race
  • belonging
  • identity

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