The Disciple of Tekinalp Uyum (Book)

Tekinalp – The Apostle of Integration is a comprehensive biographical study by Rıdvan Turhan that examines the intellectual and political journey of Tekinalp during the final years of the Ottoman Empire and the early years of the Republic of Türkiye, reflecting on the process of modernization. Published in October 2022 by Dergâh Yayınları as part of its Sociology series, the work spans 417 pages. The author documents and critically engages with Tekinalp’s (Moiz Kohen) narrative of identity, belonging, and political transformation, alongside his political arguments.

The book analyzes Tekinalp’s transition from Ottomanist politics to Turkish nationalist currents. His Balkan Jewish identity, intellectual practices aligned with the Committee of Union and Progress, his stance in debates on Zionism, his representation at the Ninth Zionist Congress, and his Turkification theses during the Republican period are examined chronologically. Furthermore, his views on the integration of the Jewish population within Kemalist modernization are discussed in detail.

• Identity and Belonging Conflict: Explores the tense position between religious and ethnic identity and Ottoman Turkish identity.
• Modernization and Integration Policies: Examines Tekinalp’s intellectual practices and his proposals for integrated assimilation.
• Intellectual Transformation: Traces the ideological journey from Ottomanism to Turkish nationalism and Kemalism.
• Jewish Modernization: Describes the transformation of the Jewish community within a nationalization process paralleling figures such as Ziya Gökalp.

Rıdvan Turhan presents a biography grounded in sociological and historical sources. Tekinalp’s intellectual output, publications, and political activities are carefully analyzed. The author employs an academic tone, supporting the text with theoretical frameworks and frequently recalling the historical context to ensure analytical depth. Contrasting perspectives and political debates are addressed in an objective manner throughout the book.