SOLD OUT From Past to Present: Turkey through the Lens of Historical Memory

On January 28th, join the World Affairs Council for an evening of Turkish food, culture, and history.

Turkey is an interesting example of how a state's history influences present politics and national identity. Our featured speaker, Dr. Onur Bakiner examines whether Turkey has fully come to terms with its history. He explores the effects of Ottoman and Republican legacies in establishing popular culture and nationalism, and addresses the implications that this nationalism has on politics today. Specifically, Dr. Bakiner will answer the question: What does historical memory have to do with the Kurdish issue, the prospects for democratization, and the war in Syria?

This event will be catered by local restaurants Cafe Paloma and Bodrum Bistro. Ticket includes a light dinner buffet featuring Turkish and Mediterranean dishes, including meat and vegetarian options. Restaurant owner Sedat Uysal will also join us for a brief introduction on Turkish food and culture.

Speaker:

Onur Bakiner is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Seattle University. His research and teaching interests include transitional justice, human rights and judicial politics, particularly in Latin America and the Middle East. His book on truth and reconciliation commissions has recently been published by UPenn Press. His articles on transitional justice, social memory, and judicial politics have been published in leading academic journals. He contributes to Birikim’s blog.