Neoosmanizam: Povratak Turske na Balkan

Neo-Ottomanism by Darko Tanasković is a thorough analysis of the politics of contemporary Turkey, especially since the rise of the AKP and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Tanasković defines neo-Ottomanism as an ideological and geopolitical project by which Turkey seeks to affirm itself as a central power in the area of ​​the former Ottoman Empire. This strategy is not limited to nostalgia for the past, but rather shapes concrete political, economic, cultural, and religious instruments for expanding influence.

The author considers how neo-Ottomanism manifests itself in active diplomacy, trade investments, cultural institutes, series, and media, but also in the encouragement of religious ties through the Diyanet. He pays special attention to the Balkans, where Turkey seeks to play the role of protector of Muslim communities and mediator in regional issues. Tanasković emphasizes that neo-Ottomanism stems from a mixture of identity politics, strategic ambitions, and the redefinition of the Turkish national project.

The book warns that under the guise of “peace, cooperation, and common heritage,” an asymmetrical power relationship and an attempt to shape political processes in the neighborhood are often hidden. Tanasković does not approach the topic emotionally, but rather argumentatively, relying on history, international relations and the analysis of Turkish documents. The result is a clear and critical study of a phenomenon that strongly influences Southeastern Europe and global politics.