This open access book explores the politics of emotions under the ruling Justice and Development Party in Turkey and the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. It examines how emotional politics and, particularly, the use of a Neo-Ottomanist narrative created a new national mood and contributed to the durability of Erdoğan’s rule. The author analyses the interactions between national narratives, symbolic politics and emotions. She argues that these interactions have formed the basis of Erdoğan’s popular support for more than 20 years. The book is a valuable resource for scholars of political science and sociology, as well as policymakers interested in the rise of authoritarianism in Turkey.

Nagehan Tokdoğan is a post-doctoral fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development’s Center for the History of Emotions. Her research focuses on the political sociology of emotions, nationalism, conservatism and authoritarianism in Turkey, as well as right-wing extremism, gender studies, and men and masculinities.