From the Battle of Collective Memory to the Ownership of Nation State

Abstract

In this work, the power struggle between the AKP and Kemalism is studied through the two categories of collective memory theories: resistance of the countermemory and instrument of the power. Covering the period between the AKP's accession to power in 2002 and the aborted coup attempt in 2016, this paper analyses the collective memory discourse of Kemalism and the AKP with respect to their narrative on the origins and debt of meaning/anlam borcu in three periods, namely 2002- 2006, 2007-2011 and 2012-2016. In the rst period the AKP presents itself, remains within the framework of the Kemalist collective memory, aims at transforming it by engaging with it in its own terms; in the second period the AKP as the other of Kemalism empowers itself, becomes a force to be reckoned with and reintroduces itself; and finally in the third period the AKP aims at constructing a new collective memory for itself by undermining and destroying the Kemalist collective memory.

Keywords

• AKP
• Kemalizm
• Toplumsal Bellek
• İktidar