Racism, Fundamentalist Politics, and Their Impact on Science

Racism towards ethnic minorities manifests in various ways around the world, often intertwined with political ideologies and power structures. In Turkey, this issue takes on unique dimensions, influenced by historical, cultural, and political factors.

Historical Background

The treatment of ethnic minorities in Turkey cannot be fully understood without examining the historical context of the Ottoman Empire, the precursor to modern Turkey. While the Ottoman Empire is often depicted as a multi-ethnic state where various ethnic groups coexisted under a system that acknowledged their distinct identities, it was also marked by systemic discrimination and violence against minorities. Population exchanges, forced migrations, and massacres were not uncommon, reflecting a broader trend of intolerance towards minorities.

With the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, there was a concerted effort to create a unified national identity centered around Turkishness. This often came at the expense of ethnic and cultural diversity. The use of minority languages was restricted, and there were efforts to erase non-Turkish cultural and historical markers. Post WW2 era was not saw any liberal politics either, the rise of fundamentalist politics has often been leveraged to counter minority rights. History and social studies curricula have been revised to minimize the presence and contributions of ethnic and religious minorities. This erasure perpetuates a narrative that prioritizes Sunni Turkish identity, marginalizing minority groups and their histories.

How a colourful district became a fertilizer on radicalism:

The Fatih district, including the neighborhoods of Balat and Fener, has historically been home to diverse ethnic and religious communities, including Greeks, and Jews. These areas once flourished as vibrant centers of minority cultures, with numerous churches, synagogues, and their respective communities. However, the dynamics in these neighborhoods have shifted significantly over time, particularly under the influence of fundamentalist politics. Infused public life with Sunni Islamic symbolism, marginalizing non-Sunni and secular individuals. This includes the construction of new mosques and religious institutions in historic minority neighborhoods, often without considering the existing religious sites of minority communities.

The Hagia Sophia and many others are poignant examples. Originally built as a Christian cathedral in 537 AD, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. It was later secularized and turned into a museum in 1935 as part of Atatürk’s secular reforms. However, in recent years, the Hagia Sophia has been the center of a contentious debate reflecting the intersection of fundamentalism and minority rights.

Effects on Science

The government has promoted policies that emphasize fundementalism and nationalistic sentiments, often at the expense of secular and scientific perspectives. This shift has affected the content of academic curricula and research priorities. Research funding is increasingly directed towards projects that align with the government’s political and ideological goals. This has led to a lack of support for research that challenges the government’s policies or explores sensitive topics related to minorities and historical injustices. The emphasis on a singular national identity under fundamentalist policies reduces intellectual diversity in scientific research. This lack of diversity limits the scope of scientific inquiry and stifles innovative approaches to research problems.

Despite these challenges, many Turkish academics and researchers continue to advocate for academic freedom and minority rights. Efforts to resist censorship and promote diverse perspectives are ongoing, often through international collaborations and underground networks.