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Interdisciplinary symposium "Politics of Emotions in Turkey and Its Connected Geographies"

11-12 January 2018, London School of Economics

In Turkey politics is often emotional and emotions are highly politicized. However, a closer look at public and political expressions of emotions shows that distinctive emotions show salience at different decades and under different political projects. In other words, emotions are historically, politically, and socially situated. Passionately felt as well as despised emotions are closely connected to micro and macro developments people find themselves in.

This symposium aims to have a closer look at the politics of emotions and affect from an interdisciplinary perspective. It seeks to inquire the emotional and affective aspects of the political, social, economic, religious, and artistic fields in Turkey and its connected geographies. We especially want to explore the often invisible but highly effective hierarchies that are created among emotions themselves: which emotions are sanctioned or even actively cultivated and when? Which emotions are rendered inappropriate or unacceptable and for whom?

Among others, we are curious to explore the trajectories of the following emotions: fear, pride, hope, love, guilt, denial, resentment, anger, suspicion, belonging, compassion, empathy, humiliation, respect, and trust.

Speakers: 

Bilgin Ayata , University of Basel

Carel Bertram , San Francisco State University

Elise Massicard, Sciences Po

Yael Navaro, Cambridge University

Esra Özyürek , London School of Economics

Ayşe Parla , Sabancı University / Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton

This symposium is being co-organised by the London School of Economics, Contemporary Turkish Studies and the Consortium for European Symposia on Turkey (CEST).

CEST convenes annual high-quality academic events that seek to make a major impact in the field of Turkish Studies in Europe, create new ways of engaging with the study of Turkey, and make this field more accessible to the debates in the social sciences. CEST is committed to the study of modern Turkey by bringing together the expertise of leading European research institutions: Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, London School of Economics, Cambridge University, SciencesPo, Stockholm University, Universität Hamburg, University of Oxford, and Network Turkey.

The Chair for Contemporary Turkish Studies focuses on culture, religion, politics, and memory in Turkey and among Turkey's diasporic populations.  Its mission is to promote a deeper understanding of Turkey with emphasis on its diversity and a focus on its connections to wider world. As the only Chair of its kind located at a European Institute, its specific focus is the dynamic relationship of Turkey with Europe. The Chair provides academic leadership in the study of Turkey with respect to interdisciplinary and critical research, teaching and related public activities. It organizes seminars and conferences, and supports doctoral studies on contemporary Turkey.