‘Our bodies are Turkish, our souls Islamic!’ The rise of Turkey’s ultra-nationalists

Source:Middle East Eye Date:23Jul2018

They call themselves idealists. Turkey’s ultra-nationalists, who prefer the Turkish term Ulkucu, have been described in many ways: as hyper-modern politicians and as throwbacks, true patriots and criminal street fighters, champions of Turkishness and crude racists.

Whatever they’re called, Turkey’s ultra-nationalists are enjoying renewed popularity, social prominence, and a greater role in an increasingly closed off political landscape.

Who are they, what do they want and how will they alter the political landscape?