The Role of Religion in the Formation of Nationalism

The Role of Religion in the Formation of Nationalism Turkish Natinonalism vs. Armenian Naionalism This study investigates the role of religion in shaping Turkish and Armenian nationalisms, with particular focus on the late Ottoman period and the events surrounding the Armenian question. Employing a comparative historical approach, the work analyzes how Islam and the Armenian Apostolic Church functioned as core identity markers and mobilizing forces in nationalist movements. For the Ottoman state, religion -particularly Islam- served as both a unifying ideology and a political tool in successive projects of Ottomanism, Islamism, and Turkish nationalism. Key intellectual figures such as Yusuf Akçura and Ziya Gökalp are examined for their integration of religious elements into nationalist discourse. Conversely, Armenian nationalism drew heavily on the Armenian Church’s historical role, theological narratives, and communal structures, which were instrumental in fostering a sense of distinct identity and political aspiration. The book argues that religious institutions, leaders, and doctrines played a dual role: reinforcing communal solidarity and legitimizing political objectives, while also intensifying intercommunal tensions. The politicization of religion in both contexts contributed to the escalation of conflict, transforming theological differences into nationalistic antagonism. By situating these developments within broader theories of nationalism and identity, the study highlights the interplay between sacred and secular forces in nation- building. Ultimately, it contends that understanding the Armenian question and related conflicts requires integrating religious analysis into political and social histories, revealing how spiritual narratives became embedded in modern nationalist ideologies.
Keywords: Religion and Nationalism; Ottoman Empire; Turkish Nationalism; Armenian Apostolic Church; Armenian Question