Multiculturalism for true equality: a normative argument for multicultural Turkey

Abstract

The Republic of Turkey uses a Turkish-based integrationist method in managing its ethno-cultural diversity. In accordance with this method, the republic recognises its ethno-cultural diversity in the private domain, but then calls on all its minority ethnic groups to converge on Turkish identity, the identity of the dominant ethnic group (Turks), in the public realm. According to this article, it is better for Turkey to replace its current integrationist method with a multiculturalist one. In the existence of the integrationist method, ethnic Kurds have been disadvantaged in many areas, e.g., culture, education and language, preventing the republic from ensuring true equality between ethnic Kurds and Turks. The article maintains that true equality would be provided between the two ethnic groups through a multiculturalist method of managing ethno-cultural diversity. This method would recognise, preserve and promote not only majority but also minority identities in both public and private realms, ultimately enabling the Kurds of Turkey to form, safeguard and advance their own societal culture.