Understanding The Factors That Shaped The Negative Image Of Turks In Europe And Its Effects On Turkey’s EU Membership

Abstract

The prospect of Turkey's entry into EU has triggered intense identity-based discussions. The evaluation of Turkey's possible membership within the context of its distinctive character has generated strong antagonism in European countries especially in those who share large Turkish populations. This antagonism is rooted in the negative image of Turks, which has shaped the European's opinions about Turks. There are intertwined factors that played essential role: The historical image of the Turks together with the widespread belief regarding Turkish migrant's integration 'failures' reflects the negative image of the Turks in the mind of Europeans. The common attitudes of the Turkish communities towards some values that European identity based on such as gender equality have shaped the Europeans opinions which is increasingly concerned with the issue. Turkish community's approach thus stimulates the fears of Europeans regarding Turkey's entry, which in turn decrease in support for Turkey.