Chapter 14Turkey and the European Union

Global Issue II

Introduction

• There are a few arguments for Turkey’s acceptance into the EU– Turkish Ottoman Empire’s rule in the region– Contribution to culture

• There are several obstacles to Turkey’s acceptance into the European Union (EU)– Armenian genocide– Tension Turkey and Cyprus– Turkey is a poor country

Turkey’s History:The Ottoman Empire

• One of the world’s greatest powers until the end of the 17th century– Extended from North Africa to Mesopotamia (Iraq)– Laid claim to land in the Balkans and Vienna

• Downfall began in the 16th century with the modernization of Europe– Technology fell behind– Loss of First Balkan War

Biggest Obstacles to EU Membership

• Refusal to acknowledge the genocide of Armenians during World War I– Armenians still demand a formal apology for the massacre in 1915– The EU wants Turkey to make retribution as Germany did for the

Holocaust• Tension between Turkey and Cyprus

– Due to Greek-Turkish War in the 1920’s• Turkey is a poor country

– Average per capita income is $12,300, EU average is $33,000• Turkey is a Muslim country

– This should be a reason to be admitted as much culture, such as coffee shops, have come from the Turkish