Neo-Ottomanism

A political and cultural outlook that emphasizes Turkey’s Ottoman heritage and favors a more active Turkish role in regions once ruled by the Ottoman Empire.

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Ottoman Empire: A multiethnic empire centered in Anatolia that ruled parts of southeastern Europe, western Asia, and North Africa from the late thirteenth century to 1922. The empire supplies the historical inheritance that Neo-Ottomanism invokes.
Turkish foreign policy: The principles, institutions, and actions through which the Republic of Turkey conducts relations with other states and international actors. Neo-Ottomanism is chiefly debated as an influence on Turkey’s external orientation.
Ahmet Davutoğlu: A Turkish academic and politician who served as foreign minister and prime minister and developed influential ideas about Turkey’s strategic depth. His writings and policies made him a central figure in debates over Neo-Ottomanism.
Pan-Turkism: A political and cultural movement that advocates solidarity or unity among Turkic peoples across national borders. It looks toward Turkic connections rather than primarily toward the former Ottoman imperial sphere.
Turkish nationalism and Islamism: Political currents in Turkey that combine, compete, or negotiate national identity with Islamic commitments. Neo-Ottoman references can bring these currents together while leaving their tensions unresolved.
Republicanism in Turkey: The political tradition established with the Turkish Republic in 1923, emphasizing national sovereignty and a secular, modern state. Its break with Ottoman institutions frames the outlook’s contested relationship with the imperial past.
Zero Problems with Neighbors: A Turkish foreign-policy doctrine associated with Ahmet Davutoğlu that sought to reduce disputes and expand cooperation with neighboring states. Its earlier regional-engagement approach is often compared with later, more assertive policy.
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: A Turkish politician who has served as president since 2014 and previously as prime minister and mayor of Istanbul. His speeches and policies are frequently associated with renewed emphasis on Ottoman history.
Pan-Islamism: A movement advocating political solidarity among Muslims, often across national and ethnic boundaries. Its religious basis differs from appeals centered on Ottoman history and Turkish state influence.
Turkish diaspora: Communities of Turkish origin living outside Turkey, formed through migration and maintaining varied connections to the country. Cultural diplomacy linked to Ottoman heritage can also address Turkish communities abroad.