Arts in Turkey: How Ancient Became Contemporary

This book is about a nation’s journey of cultural transformation, a process undertaken by the Republic of Turkey soon after gaining its independence in 1923. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Turkey’s acknowledged father and first president, envisioned this process. It is still ongoing. There is no certainty as to its conclusion, but to date, the progress has been monumental and mostly irreversible. Atatürk’s objective was the modernization and westernization of Turkey’s culture as it pertained to the country’s nation-building agenda. Provided are little known insights. They deal with the visual arts and their impact on Turkey’s society. They address vital and under-stressed aspects of European cultural imperialism that were willingly accepted and in fact invited into the young republic. The impact of the changes in visual arts is still felt in Turkish society. It has relevance to Turkeys’ economy, and to many current public policy debates worldwide. *Book also available in hardcover by contacting BookSurge Customer Service.