The fall of classical empires gave rise to a new global landscape of nation-states—many of which adopted republican forms of government. Among them was the Republic of Türkiye, the natural heir to the Ottoman Empire, which embarked on a rapid and far-reaching process of modernization across nearly every sphere of public life.
Understanding the Century offers a thoughtful and in-depth examination of the Republic’s hundred-year journey, inviting readers to better grasp its meaning and legacy.
Written with the belief that the Republic should not only be commemorated but truly understood, the book speaks to a wide readership—academics, students, journalists, and researchers alike. At once a resource for study and a prompt for reflection, it stands as a lasting reference for those seeking to revisit Türkiye’s republican history with renewed clarity.
In celebration of the Republic’s centennial, this volume presents a nuanced historical perspective on Türkiye’s evolution since 1923. Organized around 14 core themes, the book features original essays by leading scholars, each an expert in their field. These contributions explore the Republic’s social, cultural, and political transformation, while tracing the broader arc of Ottoman–Turkish modernization. Through its analytical depth, the volume illuminates the turning points that have defined the past century.
