Revolution and Nation Building in France and Turkey

With a focus on the role of the armed forces as well as language and education policies

Abstract

This paper examines nation building in Turkey and France, looking particularly at the role of the military and language and education policies in national integration. After discussing definitions of ‘nation,’ and how national identity is formed, it looks at how France and Turkey each initially articulated their concepts of ‘nation’ and how each formed a clear sense of a shared national identity. It identifies the main factors that aided this process and resulted in nation building. It considers the relationship between revolution and nation building in both countries. It concludes that there is a strong relationship between nation building and the military in both France and Turkey and in addition notes the long term relationship between the two countries.