Childhood, Space and Nation: The Affective and Symbolic Construction of National Identity in Early Life

ABSTRACT This study examines how monumental and symbolic spaces contribute to the affective and symbolic construction of national identity during childhood in Türkiye. This study employs Q methodology to examine teachers', parents' and children's perspectives on symbolic national sites in Türkiye—such as Anıtkabir, the Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial, Dolmabahçe Palace and Topkapı Palace—that play a central role in national identity construction. The findings indicate that these spaces are valued predominantly for their affective and ideological significance rather than for their formal educational functions. Teachers and parents highlighted themes of national sentiment, historical memory and iconic figures—particularly Atatürk—whereas children articulated affective attachments such as pride, admiration and respect. Nonetheless, abstract concepts such as solidarity were less comprehended by children, suggesting a gap between symbolic exposure and cognitive internalization. The study revealed that monumental spaces function as emotional‐symbolic arenas in national socialization and reinforce historical narratives through rituals and interpretations.