Ottoman Nostalgia in Turkey’s African Engagement: A Contemporary Analysis

Melis, Nicola

2024-01-01

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Abstract

Turkey’s engagement with Africa represents a dynamic interplay between historical memo-ry, cultural diplomacy, and geopolitical strategy. Central to this relationship is the mobilisa-tion of Ottoman nostalgia, which Turkey uses to construct a narrative of Islamic solidarity and historical continuity. This paper adopts a multidisciplinary framework, integrating his-torical research, anthropological theory, and international relations, to analyse how Turkey instrumentalises its Ottoman past to enhance its influence on the continent. This study ex-amines how historical and cultural narratives strategically shape political realities and foster soft power. By reviving a selectively constructed Ottoman past, Turkey aligns its historical interpretation with contemporary ambitions, framing its African engagement as a natural extension of shared heritage. However, this narrative often marginalises the pluralistic and negotiated nature of Ottoman governance and the agency of African actors in shaping their histories. Through a critical examination of Turkey’s multifaceted approach — spanning infrastructure investments, cultural initiatives, and religious solidarity — this paper eluci-dates the motivations and consequences of Turkey’s expanding footprint in Africa. It argues that Ottoman nostalgia is a commemoration and a pragmatic tool for advancing Turkey’s global aspirations, highlighting the intersection of memory, culture, and geopolitics in con-temporary international relations.