From Caliphate to Apostate: Constructivist Discourse Analysis of ISIS Propaganda Framing Turkey as the “Other”

This article examines how the Islamic State constructed Turkey as an adver-sarial Other through sophisticated propaganda in its official magazines—Dabiq, Rumiyah, and Konstantiniyye. Grounded in constructivist internationalrelations theory and employing discourse analysis, the study investigatesISIS’s portrayal of Turkey in ideological, religious, geopolitical, and apocalyp-tic terms. Utilizing primary ISIS sources, complemented by scholarly litera-ture, the research identifies key narrative strategies including religiousdelegitimization (branding Turkey as apostate and ṭ āghūt), associatingTurkey with the Western ‘Crusader’ alliance, demonizing Turkish leadershipand allies, and invoking apocalyptic prophecies of conqueringConstantinople. The analysis demonstrates how ISIS’s strategic Otheringevolved in response to Turkey’s military engagement against the group,creating a powerful feedback loop between propaganda narratives and real-world violence. This study highlights the profound impact ideational con-structs have in conflicts involving violent extremist groups and underscoresthe importance of countering extremist narratives within broader securitystrategies