The Trajectory of ‘tanpınar Studies’ From Post-Kemalism To Global Tanpınar

Abstract

Tanpınar holds a pivotal place in Turkish literature, shaping debates on Turkey's history. This article traces his critical reception from post-Kemalist readings to global interpretations. In the 1980s, he was central to post-Kemalist critiques of modernization; later, his works were reinterpreted through global modernity. Global Tanpınar teaches us two lessons: intellectually, it calls for a post-post-Kemalist perspective that situates Turkey's historical experience within the context of global crises. Culturally, it advocates a policy that goes beyond the traditional East-West synthesis and ‘standard’ multiculturalism by transcending the essentialist dichotomies that underpin global inequalities. © 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.