Security Perspectives and the Administration of the Eastern Provinces from the Late Ottoman Empire to the Early Turkish Republic (1878-1952)

• Applicant: Ilkay Yilmaz, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Modern and Contemporary History
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 462887502

This project examines the history of security policies in eastern Anatolia from 1878 to 1952. From the Ottoman Empire to the Republic of Turkey, the administration of the Eastern Anatolian Provinces was deeply affected by the security concerns of state elites and the changes in state governance from the Empire to the nation-state. Although the conceptualization and institutions of security changed during the historical process, there is also a long-term continuity in both the security mentality of the state elites and the administration of these provinces. To understand the security mentality, security is analyzed as a relational concept. Definitions of security also vary historically, reflecting different interpretations and interests. This interdisciplinary research project will benefit from history, political science, and law and seeks to understand the evolving relation between administration and security in the history of the region.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Turkey, USA
• Cooperation Partners: Professor Dr. Taner Akçam; Owen Miller, Ph.D.