An analysis of the literary foundations of Occidentalist rhetoric in Turkey

This article examines the historical development and ideological foundations of anti-Western discourse in Turkey through literary works that problematize Westernization. The modernization process initiated in the nineteenth century not only promoted Western-oriented reforms but also generated conservative reactions, giving rise to Occidentalist prejudices that continue to influence perceptions of Western civilization. Reflecting the ambivalent nature of Turkish modernization, these competing tendencies were reproduced and disseminated through literary representations of Westernization. The study argues that literature played a crucial role in constructing and reinforcing Occidentalist ideology, thereby shaping collective attitudes toward the West. In this context, the article investigates how literary texts contributed to the formation of a negative image of Western culture and examines the transformation of Turkish society’s perception of a civilization it simultaneously sought to emulate. To illustrate these dynamics, the study analyzes Peyami Safa’s Fatih-Harbiye as a representative text embodying the intellectual and ideological foundations of Turkish Occidentalism.