The transcript of a long story: A critical analysis of Eurocentric prejudices in Turkey’s European union membership process

Turkey’s European Union (EU) membership process has long been knotted in identity-based discussions that frame Turkey as an outsider, reinforcing the perception that it poses a cultural and political challenge to European unity. This study critically examines the role of Orientalist narratives in shaping the EU’s approach to Turkey’s membership, arguing that Turkey’s exclusion is not merely a result of political or economic misalignment but is deeply rooted in Eurocentric prejudices. Drawing on Edward Said’s Orientalism (1978), this paper explores how the concept of “Europeanization” extends beyond institutional alignment (“EUization”) to include implicit cultural and civilizational boundaries. The study employed a qualitative, interpretative methodology to analyze the EU’s lengthy strategies and policy frameworks that construct Turkey as the “Other.” It further investigates how Orientalist tropes manifest in debates surrounding Turkey’s geopolitical position, religious identity, and democratic credentials, affecting the EU’s inconsistent application of membership criteria. The findings reveal that the EU’s reluctance to integrate Turkey stems from an exclusionary European identity that prioritizes ethno-religious homogeneity over pluralism. Furthermore, mechanisms such as the “privileged partnership” model and discourse on the EU’s “absorption capacity” reflect an Orientalist mindset that seeks to control rather than integrate Turkey. By uncovering these underlying biases, this study contributes to broader discussions on European identity, integration policies, and the persistence of Orientalist thought in contemporary political discourse.