CAN NEO-OTTOMANISM BECOME AN OPTION FOR THE PEACEBUILDING PROCESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST?

In the last decade, a process which can be defined as Neo-Ottomanism considerably affected both political, cultural and social spheres in Turkey. This study elucidates the concept of Neo-Ottomanism which derived its meaning from a broad scope of events ranging from Turkey's inclusive response towards the wave of immigration from Syria, whilst there is no legal obligation, increasing relationships with The various Middle Eastern countries, leading to the result-oriented negotiations on the dispute stemming from Jerusalem's recognition as the capital of Israel as well as to domestic politics. Thus, this study examines the question of whether the Neo-Ottomanism can be a viable and sustainable option for establishing peace in the Middle East. In doing so, besides foreign policy actors, different domestic actors' perception of neo-Ottomanism will be examined through a hermeneutic approach, and existing opportunities and constraints will be revealed in this regard. One of the underlying assumptions of this study is that the Middle Eastern and Turkish societies are not merely passive ones shaped and directed by government policies per se; instead, those societies are trying to influence government policies while putting forth their expectations and demands; the interaction between the community and government are mutual