Reading the Memoirs: Some Notes on Turkish Soldiers’ Political Thoughts

Abstract:The military’s attitude toward the political realm is problematic in Turkey. While, on the one hand, it accepts the notion of civilian control, on the other hand, it has sometimes exercised tutelary functions or overtly intervened in politics. This essay argues that political thoughts of soldiers have an explanatory power in understanding this dilemma. It examines a set of more than 150 life narratives written by soldiers. Memoirs, autobiographies, and journals are relatively convenient means through which to explain one’s personal thoughts. An elaboration on those texts suggests that soldiers have an ambivalent perception of the political realm, and this serves as a basis for the legitimization of their political actions. The implicit idea that they are the ultimate guardians of the country is embedded in the fact that they are respectful of democracy and are in favor of civilian control in their discourses.