Our modern concept of Europe is relatively new. It’s common to say, “I’m going traveling in Europe for the summer,” but what does that mean? What is this collection of independent nations we now call Europe? My background in international politics had me thinking about what Turkey’s place in the world is while I was there and since I’ve returned.
It is the only country that lies on two continents, Europe and Asia. But does it share enough of the qualities to be lumped in with the rest of Europe? Does it have the history of the Middle East? Or is it, rather, part of Asia?
Creation of the European Union
There has always been the idea of the European region, which dates back to the days of the Grand Tours. But what we know now as the European Union, which allows open travel amongst nearly thirty sovereign nations, started as a means for peace following two World Wars. It also involved economic agreements, which led to the creation of the Euro, a common currency that is used in most member nations.
Modern Turkey
Turkey has always been the nation that divides two continents. Istanbul is the city located on the land bridge between the two, making it the only city to sit on two continents. If Istanbul were its own country, one could easily argue that it’s European. After all, the Venetians left their mark there, as did countless other groups. But what about today?
Turkey is far beyond what it was before World War I when most citizens didn’t have last names and before Atatürk changed the history of the country. Cities like Istanbul can compete with the cosmopolitan vibes of Paris or New York. The city was even up for a bid for the 2020 Olympic Games, but lost to Tokyo. Agriculture is still a major industry, making up 25% of employment, and much of the nation is still rural.
Turkey’s Application for Ascension
Turkey has been on the waiting list for ascension into the European Union since before I took my first international politics class five years ago, but their official application was lodged in 1987. Not much has changed in terms of consideration.
They’re still a nation in limbo. So why is the EU still hesitant to have Turkey join the union? There are concerns about human rights abuses and the role of the military in political dealings that have become even more problematic after this summer’s Taksim Square protests.
Why It Should Be Part of “Europe”
The country is close enough to the rest of Europe to be thrown in with the rest. Turkey is even included in the Eurail Global Pass, making it even easier for travelers, young and old, to access it for a low price. It would also make the concept of Europe more diverse, with more ethnicities and more varied faiths. This would bridge the gap between Europe and the Middle East.
Why It Shouldn’t Be Part of Europe
Culturally, Turkey is a sum of its neighbors. It has influences from Greece, Armenia and many parts of the Middle East. It’s hard to define what qualities are “European,” but those who compare it to places like Italy or France might say it doesn’t have them. It is also the only potential member to have a majority Muslim population. Turkey’s economy could even be better off without joining the Eurozone, as we have witnessed from the financial ruins of Greece.
Absolutely!
I know that people find Turkey hard to swallow because of it’s diverse nature and cultural differences. In my mind, I think that’s exactly why Turkey ought to be a member of the EU.
It’s a gateway to Europe and a part of our past and definitely, our future.