The factor Of islamic diversity in the formation of ethnic and confessional identity of the modern Turkish society and development of a culture of coexistence

Abstract

The issue concerning identity and ethnic and religious affiliation in the Republic of Turkey has traditionally been considered a taboo subject. The secular era of Ataturk, the founder of Turkey, banned any expression of ethnic and religious activity. Moderate Islamic Turkey of Erdogan times is also not a supporter of activation of ethnic segments of the country, although in the terms of religion it conducts a vivid demonstration of the forces of the Sunni majority without taking into account ethnicity of Sunni residing in Turkey. However, the foreign policy changes of emphasis in the Middle East are a reflection of global processes; they require a rethinking of Islamic values and their role in the context of current realities. As a result of the sharp increasing of refugees and the release of the migration process from the control of the European Union, the Turkish Republic has acquired the status of a buffer zone for migrants, aimed at obtaining asylum in the developed EU countries. In addition, their confessional community allows integration directly into the Turkish public space itself. But, despite all the difficulties, Turkey is an example of ethnic and religious tolerance under the threat of radicalization emerged in the Middle East and has a rich historical experience of peaceful coexistence of different religions, flows and ethnicities.