Yunus Emre InstituteYunus Emre Enstitüsü – London is pleased to announce the resounding success of its recent Young Scholar Seminar Series talk, held on Thursday, May 30, 2024. The event featured an insightful lecture by Dr Bahar Izmir titled “The Image of Modern Türkiye in British India.”
Dr Izmir, a young academic and historian specialising in Modern Turkish History and the history of India, delivered a captivating presentation that explored the complex historical relationship between Indian Muslims and the Ottoman Empire, particularly focusing on the era following the abolition of the Khilafat in 1924. The seminar highlighted how the transition of Türkiye into a modern state and the reforms introduced during the Atatürk Period profoundly influenced Indian nationalists and the broader independence movement in India.
Drawing on a wealth of archival sources, newspapers, and correspondences from the time, Dr Izmir provided a nuanced analysis of the ideological connections and shared rhetoric of the national movements in both Türkiye and India. Her talk emphasized the mutual respect and interest that developed between the two countries during a transformative period in their histories.
The event attracted a diverse audience, including scholars, students, and members of the public with a keen interest in historical and cultural relations between Türkiye and India. Attendees were engaged and inspired by Dr Izmir’s thorough research and eloquent presentation, leading to a lively Q&A session that further enriched the discussion.
Dr Bahar Izmir is currently a research fellow at the University of London, Royal Holloway, supported by a TÜBİTAK scholarship. She collaborates with Prof. Francis Robinson on a book project exploring Türkiye – India relations. Her academic credentials include a PhD from Ankara University with a dissertation on “The Relations between Türkiye and British India between 1919-1947,” supplemented by extensive archival research conducted in India.
As Yunus Emre Institute London continues its mission of promoting cultural exchange and understanding, the event served as a platform for dialogue and exploration, transcending geographical boundaries and fostering connections between diverse communities.