Nationalism in Turkey as a political ideology is the principal theme of this work. Topics examined include: group identiy in the Ottoman Empire; the secular nationalism of Kemalism; the radical right; Pan-Turkism; the relationship between Turkish nationalism and Islam; and Turkey as a "kin state".

Part One Setting the scene: nationalism; the peoples and institutions of the Ottoman Empire; nationalist penetration and Ottoman/Turkish responses. Part Two The main contenders: the top-hat secular Kemalist nationalism; the grey wolf - the pan-Turkic fringe; the crescent - Islamism and the growth of Islamic influence. Part Three Turkish nationalism and the minorities: the Kurds - repression and rebellion; the Alevis and other domestic minorities; those outside - Turkey as a kin state; Part Four National schizophrenia: the struggle continues.