15. From Turkey to Türkiye: Public Diplomacy of Symbols

This chapter delves into the evolution of Turkey's identity and public diplomacy under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. It examines how each leader employed symbolic representations to project Turkey's status in the international arena, with a focus on the contrasting visions of modernization and Ottoman heritage. The text explores the strategies used to communicate Turkey's identity to both domestic and international audiences, including diplomatic visits, cultural events, and monumental construction projects. It also analyzes the role of these strategies in consolidating regime power and shaping Turkey's position in global affairs. The chapter concludes by highlighting the broader implications of these strategies on contemporary debates about identity, diplomacy, and authoritarianism, offering valuable insights into the complex interplay between history, politics, and public diplomacy in shaping a nation's identity and international standing.