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Silence in Official Representations of History: Implications for National Identity and Intergroup Relations
Kurtiş, Tuğçe Yalcinkaya, Nur Soylu Adams, Glenn E.
Kurtiş, Tuğçe
Yalcinkaya, Nur Soylu
Adams, Glenn E.
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Abstract
Dominant representations of history evolve through differential exercise of power to enable memory of collective triumphs and
silence memory of collective misdeeds. We examined silence regarding minorities in official constructions of history and the
implications of this silence for national identity and intergroup relations in Turkey. A content analysis of official constructions
of history inscribed in Turkish national university admissions exams (Study 1) revealed an emphasis on celebratory events,
silence about ethnic and religious minorities, and a construction of national identity in ethno-cultural (e.g., as “Turk” and
“Muslim”) rather than civic terms (e.g., in terms of citizenship). An investigation with Turkish participants (Study 2) revealed
that denial of historical information regarding minority populations documented in sources outside the national curriculum was
associated with greater endorsement of ethno-cultural constructions of identity and less support for minority rights and freedom
of expression. We discuss the liberatory potential of alternative forms of historical knowledge to promote more inclusive models
of identification and improve intergroup relations.
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Date
2017
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PsychOpen
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Keywords
Collective memory, National identity, Intergroup relations, History, Turkey
Citation
Kurtiş, T.ğçe, Soylu Yalçınkaya, N., & Adams, G. (2018). Silence in Official Representations of History: Implications for National Identity and Intergroup Relations. Journal of Social and Political Psychology, 5(2), 608-629. doi:10.5964/jspp.v5i2.714