Contemporary Turkish and World History (12th Grade)

This course examines 20th-century Turkish and world history through an anti-imperialist lens, emphasizing Turkey's struggle for independence in military, economic, and cultural spheres. The curriculum synthesizes Turkey's diverse political traditions into a coherent narrative, portraying the pursuit of a fully independent Turkey as the driving force behind the country's modern history.

Key Themes and Topics:

• The Struggle for Global Hegemony: The curriculum explores the struggle for global dominance across military, economic, technological, and artistic domains. It analyzes power politics while highlighting the consequences of injustice in international relations.
• Imperialism and its Impact: Imperial competition is presented as a root cause of major global conflicts, including World War I. The curriculum examines the consequences of European expansion in the Middle East and the Soviet Union's influence in Central Asia. It also discusses the theories of Alfred Thayer Mahan, Halford J. Mackinder, and Harry A. Sachaklian regarding control of sea, land, and air power.
• World War II and its Aftermath: The curriculum explores the causes and consequences of World War II, emphasizing the impact of the Treaty of Versailles and the rise of Nazi Germany. It also examines the establishment of the post-war global order, including the formation of the United Nations and the Cold War. The Holocaust is presented within a broader context of Western barbarity, alongside events such as Stalin's deportation of Crimean Tatars and the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
• The Cold War and Decolonization: The course examines the Cold War era, including decolonization movements and the rise of new global powers. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's role as an anti-imperialist hero is highlighted, drawing inspiration from figures like Jawaharlal Nehru, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Habib Bourguiba.
• Turkey's Pursuit of Independence: The curriculum focuses on Turkey's struggle for technological and economic independence, showcasing the efforts of figures like Necmettin Erbakan and Cemal Gürsel to develop domestic industries. It also discusses the challenges faced by Turkish innovators like Nuri Demirağ and Vecihi Hürkuş in the early 20th century.
• Domestic Political Developments: The course examines key events in Turkish political history, including the 1960 and 1971 coups, the rise of the '68 Generation, and the 2013 Gezi protests. It attempts to present a balanced view of these events, acknowledging the role of foreign influence while recognizing the agency of Turkish citizens.
• Turkey's Role in the 21st Century: The curriculum analyzes Turkey's foreign policy in the 21st century, including the "zero problems with neighbors" policy and its involvement in regional conflicts. It also discusses the country's efforts to reduce its dependence on foreign technology, highlighting advancements in areas such as drone development and aerospace technology. The 9/11 attacks are presented as a consequence of U.S. foreign policy.
• Cultural and Intellectual Trends: The course explores cultural and intellectual trends of the 20th century, including the rise of new art forms, the influence of mass media, and the impact of globalization. It also discusses the role of cultural figures like Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso, John Steinbeck, and various musicians and artists. The curriculum also touches upon the impact of American culture, including hip hop and video games.

This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of modern Turkish and world history, emphasizing Turkey's unique perspective and its ongoing pursuit of independence and influence on the world stage.