Pseudoscience and Nationalism: A Comparative Look at "Neue Deutsche Heilkunde" and "Geleneksel Tıp"

In the intersection of pseudoscience and nationalism, the historical movement of "Neue Deutsche Heilkunde" (New German Medicine) and the promotion of "Türk geleneksel tıbbı" (Turkish traditional medicine) under the banner of "yerli ve milli" (local and national) policies share some similarities. Taking into account cultural perspectives is of course important for improving public health. However, these movements are not just about health practices but are deeply intertwined with nationalistic ideologies, aiming to reject perceived "foreign influences".

Both movements are rooted in cultural revivalism. "Neue Deutsche Heilkunde," which emerged in Nazi Germany, sought to elevate traditional German healing practices, positioning them as superior to foreign (especially Jewish and modern Western) medical practices. This was part of a broader Nazi agenda to create a racially pure and culturally distinct Germany. Similarly, "Türk geleneksel tıbbı" is promoted in Turkey as part of nationalist policies that emphasize the importance of Turkish cultural heritage. Under the guise of "yerli ve milli," Turkish traditional medicine is presented as an authentic alternative to Western medical practices, aligning with a narrative of national pride and independence.

A common thread between these two movements is their rejection of foreign influence. "Neue Deutsche Heilkunde" rejected what it perceived as foreign, particularly Jewish, influences in medicine, advocating for a purely German approach to health. In contemporary Turkey, there is a parallel rejection of Western medical practices and pharmaceuticals, with a preference for traditional Turkish remedies. Recent anti-Western influence law, formally known as the "Disinformation Law," has generated significant controversy and debate. This rejection is often framed as a return to cultural roots and a way to assert national identity against Western dominance.

Both movements also share a reliance on pseudoscientific claims. "Neue Deutsche Heilkunde" promoted medical practices that lacked scientific validation, often based on anecdotal evidence and nationalistic rhetoric rather than rigorous research. Similarly, "yerli tıp" often relies on traditional knowledge and practices that are not scientifically validated. The promotion of these practices is typically driven by cultural beliefs rather than empirical evidence, which can lead to the endorsement of ineffective or even harmful treatments.

State support and promotion are crucial aspects of both movements. "Neue Deutsche Heilkunde" was heavily supported by the Nazi regime as part of their broader ideological goals. The movement was not just about health but about reinforcing the Nazi vision of a racially and culturally pure Germany. In Turkey, traditional medicine is similarly promoted by nationalist political factions as part of a broader agenda to foster a distinct Turkish identity. This promotion often includes state endorsement and funding, which lends these traditional practices a veneer of legitimacy despite the lack of scientific support.

The ideological enforcement of these practices further strengthens their impact. In Nazi Germany, the promotion of "Neue Deutsche Heilkunde" was part of the regime's attempt to control all aspects of life, aligning health practices with their racial and nationalistic ideologies. In Turkey, the push for "Türk geleneksel tıbbı" is similarly tied to nationalist policies that emphasize cultural and political autonomy. This can sometimes come at the expense of scientific rigor, as traditional practices are elevated over evidence-based medicine.

Socially and culturally, both movements play significant roles in identity formation. "Neue Deutsche Heilkunde" contributed to a German national identity that was distinct from other cultures by emphasizing unique German healing traditions. This was part of a broader narrative of German superiority and purity. In Turkey, the promotion of traditional medicine reinforces a Turkish national identity by highlighting the uniqueness and value of Turkish cultural heritage. This emphasis on historical continuity suggests a timeless and superior cultural tradition, bolstering national pride.

Both movements leverage pseudoscience to assert cultural identity, reject foreign influences, and promote nationalistic ideologies. While these practices may evoke a sense of cultural pride and continuity, they also pose significant challenges to scientific rigor and public health.