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The Turks Today
Eighty years have passed since Mustafa Kemal Ataturk founded the Turkish Republic out of the ruins of the Ottoman Empire and set it on the path of modernisation. He was determined that his country should be accepted as a member of the family of civilised nations. Today Turkey is a rapidly developing country, an emergent market, a medium-sized regional power with the second strongest army in NATO. It is an open country which attracts millions of tourists, thousands of foreign businessmen and hundreds of researchers. They enjoy Turkish hospitality, experience its rich landscape and history, but find it hard to form an overall picture of the country. In this effective sequel to Ataturk, Andrew Mango provides such an overall portrait, tracing the republic's development since the death of its founder and bringing to life the Turkish people and their vibrant society today. The Turks Today also interprets the latest academic research for a broader audience.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
18 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Mango
12 books54 followersAndrew James Alexander Mango is a British author who was born in Turkey as one of three sons of a prosperous Anglo-Russian family. He is the brother of the distinguished Oxford historian and Byzantinist Professor Cyril Mango. Mango's early years were passed in Istanbul but in the mid-1940s he left for Ankara and obtained a job as a press officer in the British Embassy. He moved to the United Kingdom in 1947 and has lived in London ever since. He holds degrees from the University of London, including a doctorate on Persian literature. He joined BBC's Turkish section while still a student and spent his entire career in the External Services, rising to be Turkish Programme Organiser and then Head of the South European Service. He retired in 1986.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 21, 2023
The first half of the book which encapsulated well the history from the death of Atatürk until the beginnings of the 21th century was promising, though way too short and resumed. If you already know something about Turkish history, there’s not much new information (as it was in my case).
The second half of the book was pretty well organized but of course by now the information results outdated. Though, it was interesting to read about Türkiye’s situation of 20 years ago, but it didn’t offer much.
Towards the ending, the author’s own orientalist prejudices, racism and neoliberal worldview ruined very strongly my reading experience and I would not really recommend this book for anyone, that’s why i gave only two stars. In the end, the author is a man of his generation but as I’m used to more modern and critical academic research, this was pretty badly written in comparison and I can’t forgive too much.
At last but not least, the highlight of the book was the bombastic and funny description of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s rise to the power:
“A constitutional amendment allowed Erdoğan to stand for parliament in a by-election in February 2003. He won it handsomely and became prime minister. Forty-nine years old, tall, good-looking and well-dressed, Erdoğan was a man of the people- a German journalist called him a 'flower sprung from a marsh'. He had a chance to realize their aspirations.”
The second half of the book was pretty well organized but of course by now the information results outdated. Though, it was interesting to read about Türkiye’s situation of 20 years ago, but it didn’t offer much.
Towards the ending, the author’s own orientalist prejudices, racism and neoliberal worldview ruined very strongly my reading experience and I would not really recommend this book for anyone, that’s why i gave only two stars. In the end, the author is a man of his generation but as I’m used to more modern and critical academic research, this was pretty badly written in comparison and I can’t forgive too much.
At last but not least, the highlight of the book was the bombastic and funny description of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s rise to the power:
“A constitutional amendment allowed Erdoğan to stand for parliament in a by-election in February 2003. He won it handsomely and became prime minister. Forty-nine years old, tall, good-looking and well-dressed, Erdoğan was a man of the people- a German journalist called him a 'flower sprung from a marsh'. He had a chance to realize their aspirations.”
August 24, 2014
The first half of this book gives an encapsulation of Turkish history, with an emphasis on the political, which is essential for a beginning understanding of Turkey today. The last half describes what is going on politically and culturally as of 2004 when the book was published. I had some trouble following events in the first half because, being unfamiliar with nonwestern names, I confused the many people who were major participants. However, the last half was much easier to follow and extremely informative. I read this in preparation for a trip to Istanbul and feel like it has given me a foundation for better understanding what I will experience there.
May 9, 2012
We like to prepare for our trips by doing a little reading, and our Turkish adventure set for September will take us into one of the more challenging environments we’ve set out for. Lying as it does on the cusp of Europe and Asia, Turkey has an important place in the histories of both continents and has been caught in the pincers of conflicts between empires from both continents. If they weren’t looking out for Russia, they had to stay on guard for the Romans. In recent times, they’ve had their own empire. A 300-plus-year gig for the Ottomans, whose depleted empire was carved up by the allies after WWI, a cutting job whose effects we and they still feel today, having bequeathed us the country of Iraq and the apportionment of Kurdish peoples among at least four different countries. Bit of a mess.
Andrew Mango has created a no-nonsense look at Turkey’s recent history and current place in the world’s political, cultural, and economic map. A country a third bigger than Texas in Area with a population twice that of California and a collection of people ranging from secular intellectuals to Islamic terrorists, it faces great challenges trying to join the modern world. By all statistics, Turkey belongs to the third world. By all aspirations and even common sense, it belongs in the European Union. Europe seems to think its poverty will drain resources from the other countries and wants it to make further economic strides before it gets membership in the club. They also point to human rights abuses and the treatment of women. Mainly, however, they’re leery of the Islamic nature of the population, despite the country’s solid secular government tradition since the great Attaturk’s ascension to power in 1923.
Mango compares Turkey’s position to that of Greece, a poor country recently admitted to the Union, and contributing mightily to the club. Of course, Greece is Christian. The rub. Still, Mango, declares that Turkey does have some criteria to meet. But he thinks that’s where the country is headed.
For myself, I find it fascinating that Turkey has a history of military government takeovers--one a decade 1960-1980, but they’ve never been bloody and never resulted in military dictatorships. The generals step in when parliament seems unmanageable, straighten things out--often by imprisoning or even hanging a few offending politicians--then handing power back to parliament. It’s also the army--a separate institution with no civilian overseer--which has been responsible for guarding the secular nature of the government.
Also fascinating is the story of Attaturk, whose biography is next on my list of Turkey reading. Here’s a guy who singlehandedly transformed a country from an Arabic Islamic dictatorship into a secular, westward looking republic. He wasn’t a dictator, but he wasn’t exactly a total democrat either. Looking forward to seeing how that worked. Another unique aspect of this history.
Andrew Mango has created a no-nonsense look at Turkey’s recent history and current place in the world’s political, cultural, and economic map. A country a third bigger than Texas in Area with a population twice that of California and a collection of people ranging from secular intellectuals to Islamic terrorists, it faces great challenges trying to join the modern world. By all statistics, Turkey belongs to the third world. By all aspirations and even common sense, it belongs in the European Union. Europe seems to think its poverty will drain resources from the other countries and wants it to make further economic strides before it gets membership in the club. They also point to human rights abuses and the treatment of women. Mainly, however, they’re leery of the Islamic nature of the population, despite the country’s solid secular government tradition since the great Attaturk’s ascension to power in 1923.
Mango compares Turkey’s position to that of Greece, a poor country recently admitted to the Union, and contributing mightily to the club. Of course, Greece is Christian. The rub. Still, Mango, declares that Turkey does have some criteria to meet. But he thinks that’s where the country is headed.
For myself, I find it fascinating that Turkey has a history of military government takeovers--one a decade 1960-1980, but they’ve never been bloody and never resulted in military dictatorships. The generals step in when parliament seems unmanageable, straighten things out--often by imprisoning or even hanging a few offending politicians--then handing power back to parliament. It’s also the army--a separate institution with no civilian overseer--which has been responsible for guarding the secular nature of the government.
Also fascinating is the story of Attaturk, whose biography is next on my list of Turkey reading. Here’s a guy who singlehandedly transformed a country from an Arabic Islamic dictatorship into a secular, westward looking republic. He wasn’t a dictator, but he wasn’t exactly a total democrat either. Looking forward to seeing how that worked. Another unique aspect of this history.
July 20, 2017
35 sayfa okumak ve sonrasinda atlaya atlaya cesitli konulara goz atmak yetti. Ataturk'un devrimlerini kucumsemesi, onemsizlestirmesi, degersizlestirmesi, Ataturk'un on ayak oldugu olusumlarin bir kismini olumunden sonra baslatilmis gibi sunarak carpitmasi, PKK'yi ve teror sorununu Kurt Milliyetciligine indirgemesi, Koy Enstitulerinin kapatilmasini demokrasi adina alkislamasi, 50'ler sonrasi tum Amerikan yardimlarini ve Menderes hukumetini yere goge sigdiramamasi ve daha nice ornek kitabin amaci konusunda yeterli fikir verir saniyorum. Kesinlikle objektif bir tarihcilik ornegi degil, zaten yazar da tarihci degil.
April 13, 2023
Another book that served its purpose. First half is political history from 1923. The second half covers more recent decades and includes some culture. SOOoooo many men. Would like to see more mention of women. The mentions of a few female politicians were unhelpful. It was fine.
Weird suggestion: given the mention of so many politicians, some photos might've been helpful for putting faces with all the names while reading. Yes, I'm saying this book didn't have enough pictures.
Weird suggestion: given the mention of so many politicians, some photos might've been helpful for putting faces with all the names while reading. Yes, I'm saying this book didn't have enough pictures.
April 25, 2007
What I learned from this book...Turkey is swell if you like donerkabobs and chicken adana and as long as you're not Kurdish or Armenian. I kid, I kid...kind of. Great survey of modern Turkey. Also check out his biography of Ataturk.
August 24, 2018
This is an easy introduction for any one curious about the history of the Turkish Republic and life in contemporary Turkey. From literature, to the economy, and food, Andrew Mango does a great job introducing the country from a position of erudition and sensitivity, synthesising a large amount of detail into an easily digestible story. I read this whilst in Turkey and it did help me understand the place and people a lot better. Good book.
April 16, 2019
I recommend it.
Enjoyed reading this book especially that I am an international student based in Turkey.. It gives me an understanding of what has been happening recently. A bit outdated as a lot has happened in the years after this book was written. All in all, it is a book I'd recommend to any foreigner living in Turkey and interested in the politics and life that goes on.
Enjoyed reading this book especially that I am an international student based in Turkey.. It gives me an understanding of what has been happening recently. A bit outdated as a lot has happened in the years after this book was written. All in all, it is a book I'd recommend to any foreigner living in Turkey and interested in the politics and life that goes on.
August 27, 2017
I'm a big fan of Andrew Mango's scholarship, research and deep knowledge about Turkey and his assessment of what makes her tick. This book, like his exceptional biography of Atatürk, was excellent. I consider it a "must-read" book for all Turkey Watchers.
November 19, 2020
Even though more than a decade has passed since its publication, the content is still valid. Great use of language and highly objective point of view. Probably, best book on modern Turkey.
March 22, 2025
Outdated and biased
October 20, 2015
After finishing the author Andrew Mango famous book Atatürk , I assumed that this book should logically follow.
I am glad that my assumption was in it's place.
In this book, the author uses his expertise on the subject along with his great talent in giving a full comprehensive and in the same time brief picture describing the Republic of Turkey from the death of it's founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to the early years of the AKP rule after the turn of the millennium.
The book after an interesting prologue is divided into two sections :
First section is a historical overview of the Republic in the periods ; 1938 - 1945 mainly the İsmet İnönü period, 1945 - 1960 the start and the actual practice of multi parties until the first military coup , 1960 - 1980 the turbulent years , 1980 to 2004 the gradual change after the military coup of 1980 with the Turgut Özal economic boost then political developments reaching AKP in power in 2002.
In the second section, the author discusses several subjects related to the Republic of Turkey with a briefing on the historical roots of the subject reaching the current stage which is the year 2004 when the book was written. The subjects include; The rise of the economy, education & culture, Ankara with it's weight & development, Istanbul and it's survival, the approach of the East and the Kurdish question, Turkey and Europe.
I highly recommend this book to readers interested in the subject and will definatly refer back to it when needed.
I am glad that my assumption was in it's place.
In this book, the author uses his expertise on the subject along with his great talent in giving a full comprehensive and in the same time brief picture describing the Republic of Turkey from the death of it's founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to the early years of the AKP rule after the turn of the millennium.
The book after an interesting prologue is divided into two sections :
First section is a historical overview of the Republic in the periods ; 1938 - 1945 mainly the İsmet İnönü period, 1945 - 1960 the start and the actual practice of multi parties until the first military coup , 1960 - 1980 the turbulent years , 1980 to 2004 the gradual change after the military coup of 1980 with the Turgut Özal economic boost then political developments reaching AKP in power in 2002.
In the second section, the author discusses several subjects related to the Republic of Turkey with a briefing on the historical roots of the subject reaching the current stage which is the year 2004 when the book was written. The subjects include; The rise of the economy, education & culture, Ankara with it's weight & development, Istanbul and it's survival, the approach of the East and the Kurdish question, Turkey and Europe.
I highly recommend this book to readers interested in the subject and will definatly refer back to it when needed.
September 8, 2012
Impressed. The writer broke this book basically to two halves-the short history of Turkey up to present day and then the country of today with chapters on culture, economics, Kurds, and more. Very in depth and worth while to get a better understanding of this geographically important and under rated ally.
January 16, 2016
It's very nice book but to be honest it's more like a reference book for foreigners. It encapsulates Near Turkish History very briefly. Also it has a slight error that says Ocalan captured when Tansu Çiller is ruling as Deputy Prime Minister. (In that time, Bulent Ecevit was Prime Minister and Ms. Ciller was not member of the cabinet.)
May 7, 2013
This was a good introduction to Turkey that focused on the modern but explained with quite a bit of historical detail. Worth reading especially if you are going to Turkey and don't have lots of time before you go.
August 2, 2016
Published a decade ago, this book still holds up very well as an introduction to Turkey's complicated history, politics and society. It is well written. A particularly nice line in the book reads: "Conspiracy theories ... are ghosts that take shape in the fog of ignorance."
June 17, 2007
Utterly dishonest in some respects, but well researched in others.
May 21, 2008
Pretty useful and easy to read factbook.
August 10, 2011
A little tedious, but great info for understanding the personality of the people
April 9, 2012
secular country before a strong Islamic country (Ottoman)
Love it...
Love it...
May 22, 2012
Very informational novel! I read this book right before traveling to Turkey for 1.5 years, and this book helped with some key historical facts and Turkish knowledge.
January 22, 2013
Wide background for your Istanbul-adventures!
October 25, 2013
Valuable book as preparation for a trip to Turkey.
March 5, 2017
A Turkish Perspective. I read this in prep for a Model UN conference as Turkey, and this book was a fantastic resource for statistics and helped me formulate my rhetoric during the conference.
September 7, 2012
good primer on modern Turkish history
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews