Papers by Oral Toğa
DergiPark (Istanbul University), Jan 3, 2024
Türkiye Siyaset Bilimi Dergisi, Sep 29, 2023
Türkiye Siyaset Bilimi Dergisi, 2023
The Islamic Republic of Iran faced severe security problems shortly after the Islamic Revolution.... more The Islamic Republic of Iran faced severe security problems shortly after the Islamic Revolution. The experiences gained from these threats have thoughtfully shaped Iran's defense strategy in the following years. Forward defense and deterrence concepts are essential toIran's defense strategy. The proxy power strategy, which has been actively carried out since the Revolution, can also be considered an extension of Iran's forward defense and deterrence concept. In this context, Iran is in contact with and manages many groups, large and small, over a wide geography, from Afghanistan to Nigeria and Yemen to Syria. Thus, it seeks to meet potential threats beyond its borders and increase its sanction power in these countries by building groups that will act in parallel with its own policies. He establishes affinity with these groups largely through an identity-based discourse. The Azerbaijan Islamic Resistance Organization (Hüseynçilər/Husayniyyun), which has started to work for the Republic of Azerbaijan since 2013 and whose activities have become visible since 2015, is one of the proxy forces that Iran supports within the scope of these policies. In this study, the background and organizational structure that form the basis of the discourse and activities of this organization, through which Iran is directed and managed within the scope of the proxy power strategy, will be discussed
Turkish Journal of Political Science, 2023
The Islamic Republic of Iran faced severe security problems shortly after the Islamic Revolution.... more The Islamic Republic of Iran faced severe security problems shortly after the Islamic Revolution. The experiences gained from these threats have thoughtfully shaped Iran's defense strategy in the following years. Forward defense and deterrence concepts are essential toIran's defense strategy. The proxy power strategy, which has been actively carried out since the Revolution, can also be considered an extension of Iran's forward defense and deterrence concept. In this context, Iran is in contact with and manages many groups, large and small, over a wide geography, from Afghanistan to Nigeria and Yemen to Syria. Thus, it seeks to meet potential threats beyond its borders and increase its sanction power in these countries by building groups that will act in parallel with its own policies. He establishes affinity with these groups largely through an identity-based discourse. The Azerbaijan Islamic Resistance Organization (Hüseynçilər/Husayniyyun), which has started to work for the Republic of Azerbaijan since 2013 and whose activities have become visible since 2015, is one of the proxy forces that Iran supports within the scope of these policies. In this study, the background and organizational structure that form the basis of the discourse and activities of this organization, through which Iran is directed and managed within the scope of the proxy power strategy, will be discussed
İran Çalışmaları Dergisi
The Gonabadi Sufi Order is one of the three main branches of the Nimatullahi Sufi order that was ... more The Gonabadi Sufi Order is one of the three main branches of the Nimatullahi Sufi order that was originated by Shah Nimatullahi Wali in the 14th and 15th centuries. The Dervishes, the best known of its followers, assert that they believe in peace, security, and equality and avoid violence and politics. The constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran is officially based on the “Twelver Shia” and only recognizes a small minority as a religion officially. In spite of this, even though they describe themselves as the “Twelver Shia”, they reject the principal foundations of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s official religion. As a result, dervishes were declared as “heretics” by the state. After the Revolution, especially after 1995, systematic attacks have intensified on members of the order and their Hosseiniyeh, where they performed their religious rituals. The Hosseiniyeh in Kerman was the first place to be attacked; the Hosseiniyehs in Qom, Tehran, Karaj, and Borujerd were also attacked and destroyed. Eventually, the scale of the attacks was expanded to the tombs of the prominent figures of the Gonabadi order. These conflicts increased in intensity after 2005, in Ahmadinejad’s presidency, and caused social outrages that resulted in death at various times. In this study, the background of these fierce conflicts will be examined and the history of the conflict will be conveyed. The events that led the dervishes, who define themselves peaceful at every opportunity, to such violent conflicts with the state will be perused. In addition, the reasons why the state sees these dervishes as an internal enemy will be examined.
In this study I shall aim to elucidate the history of the political relationship of France and th... more In this study I shall aim to elucidate the history of the political relationship of France and the Middle East and Region countries. The stages of political development between France and The Middle East leading to our present day will be analyzed in the framework of cause and effect relationships. Firstly, I will discuss: the effect the Caliphate of Cordoba had in forming France; secondly, the relationships during the Ottoman age; thirdly, the repercussions Napoleon and the development of Colonization in the 19th century had on the Middle East. Following these three analyses I will move on to examine the relationships developed following the heavy German defeat subsequent to the epoch of WWI and during WWII. To conclude the study I shall briefly review France’s standpoint prior to and following the Arab Spring.
Charles Vernet (1842 - ? 1866), on altı yaşında olmasına rağmen sahip olduğu dil yeteneği ve deha... more Charles Vernet (1842 - ? 1866), on altı yaşında olmasına rağmen sahip olduğu dil yeteneği ve dehasının yanında o dönemde topraklarımızda filizlenmeye başlayan Batı ve özellikle Fransız etkisinin tersine Türkçe ve Farsça şiirler yazarak edebiyat araştırmacılarının hem ilgisini hem de takdirini üzerinde toplamış bir isimdir. Bu çalışmada ise Charles Vernet’nin 1858’te Paris’te bastırmış olduğu divanındaki Türkçe şiirler incelenmiş olup Türkçe – Farsça şiirler yazmasının sebepleri tartışılacak ve şiirlerini vücuda getirirken klasik şiirimizden nasıl etkilendiğini ve bu etkin boyutları ortaya konulmaya çalışılacaktır. Bunun yanında bir yabancı olarak Vernet’nin Türkçe üzerindeki hâkimiyeti ve üslup özellikleri tartışılacaktır.
This study will analyze the extremist Islamic minorities present in Turkey, whose ideologies intr... more This study will analyze the extremist Islamic minorities present in Turkey, whose ideologies introduce the argument of democracy as a fundamental antithesis of Islam. Their belief is that a democratic institution attributes a partner to God. In some Islamic literature final authority must be that of God and all laws and regulations which govern individuals must be those of God. Turkey, a Muslim majority country, has one of the best working secular democracies in the Muslim world. However, in the past 15 years, a wide spread anti-democratic rhetoric has been gaining momentum, particularly with the spread of social media.
In accordance, these facts will be used to explore the foundations of this ideology and its current rhetoric, by giving examples from newspapers, magazines, speeches, public gatherings and meetings. Our point of focus will be the anti-democratic discourse in Turkey.
Additionally, this essay will investigate what such fundamental groups’ anti-democratic expressions are based on, with particular interests in Islamic discourse, such as Quran and Hadith. In addition to such religious factors we will identify whether these elements carry factors of nationalism and what their significance is in current Turkish politics. This paper will offer an investigation of the similarities and differences of ideology between such extremist groups and ISIL, followed by a thorough analysis of how they shape public opinion and executive action.
In this piece we shall carefully assess France’s approach to Middle Eastern politics during the s... more In this piece we shall carefully assess France’s approach to Middle Eastern politics during the seventy-two year reign of King Louis XIV “Le Roi du Soleil”. We shall take into consideration the effect these politics had on their relationship to the Ottoman Empire. Franco-Ottoman relations at the time of Louis XIV were notably eventful; such events have laid the groundwork to France’s 19th and 20th century Middle Eastern Policies. Additionally, this piece will attempt to explain and analyze the changing approach towards The Ottoman Empire by France and state Frances varying policies devised with imperialistic instincts stretching between the reigns of Francois I to Louis XIV. The Franco-Ottoman alliance, which we can compare to a “forced marriage” on behalf of France, was beginning to disintegrate. During this duration The Ottoman Empire continued to denigrate France at every opportunity. We shall discuss these events in relation to how The Ottoman Empire grew distant to the realities of (contemporary) Europe. Such disputes have lead to serious conflicts from time to time such as the revoking of capitulations. Lastly, we shall assess the role of the Jesuits in France’s Middle Eastern policies; additionally the country’s relation to Maronite and Armenian communities, and the expectations these communities have will be explained shortly.
Books by Oral Toğa
Devletlerin ve ulusların kendi kimliklerini tanımlama şekilleri gerek algıladıkları tehditlerde g... more Devletlerin ve ulusların kendi kimliklerini tanımlama şekilleri gerek algıladıkları tehditlerde gerekse iç ve dış siyasetlerinde aldıkları kararlarda önemli bir etkiye sahiptir. Her kimlik bir inşa sürecinin ürünüdür ve bu sürece jeopolitik konum, inanç sistemleri, tarih boyunca yaşanan tecrübeler gibi birçok faktör etki etmektedir. Türkiye ve İran ise her şeyden önce üzerlerinde bulundukları coğrafyanın jeopolitik durumu sebebiyle sosyal hafızalarında birçok savaşı, göçü, toplumsal olay ve dönüşümü barındırmaktadır. Bunun yanında söz konusu coğrafyalar üzerinde yaşayan halkların kadim zamanlardan bu yana sahip oldukları birikim ve tecrübeler bu iki ülkenin iç ve dış siyasetlerine etki etmektedir.
Book Reviews by Oral Toğa
Orta Doğu Etütleri, 2024
Brandon J. Weichert's 'The Shadow War' provides a critical examination of Iran's strategic role i... more Brandon J. Weichert's 'The Shadow War' provides a critical examination of Iran's strategic role in the Middle East, with a focus on its pursuit of regional dominance and global influence. The book takes an American-centric perspective and delves into Iran's complex political maneuvers and interactions with major powers, particularly the United States. Weichert scrutinizes U.S. policy shifts across various administrations and explores the Islamic Republic's evolution since the 1979 revolution. The author analyzes key regional events, such as the Beirut bombing and Jamal Khashoggi's assassination, and discusses their broader geopolitical implications.
The book covers Iran's use of asymmetric warfare and proxy alliances, which have significantly impacted Middle Eastern geopolitics. Additionally, the author explores potential triggers for a new Intifada in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The book also delves into Iran's cyber warfare capabilities and nuclear ambitions, highlighting their implications for global security. The narrative revisits critical historical events like the 1953 coup and the Iran Hostage Crisis, linking them to contemporary politics. Weichert examines Iran's internal dynamics, ideological underpinnings of its foreign policy, and the challenges in achieving lasting peace. "The Shadow War" offers a comprehensive view of Iran's influence in shaping Middle Eastern geopolitics and its complex interactions with global powers.
Uploads
Papers by Oral Toğa
In accordance, these facts will be used to explore the foundations of this ideology and its current rhetoric, by giving examples from newspapers, magazines, speeches, public gatherings and meetings. Our point of focus will be the anti-democratic discourse in Turkey.
Additionally, this essay will investigate what such fundamental groups’ anti-democratic expressions are based on, with particular interests in Islamic discourse, such as Quran and Hadith. In addition to such religious factors we will identify whether these elements carry factors of nationalism and what their significance is in current Turkish politics. This paper will offer an investigation of the similarities and differences of ideology between such extremist groups and ISIL, followed by a thorough analysis of how they shape public opinion and executive action.
Books by Oral Toğa
Book Reviews by Oral Toğa
The book covers Iran's use of asymmetric warfare and proxy alliances, which have significantly impacted Middle Eastern geopolitics. Additionally, the author explores potential triggers for a new Intifada in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The book also delves into Iran's cyber warfare capabilities and nuclear ambitions, highlighting their implications for global security. The narrative revisits critical historical events like the 1953 coup and the Iran Hostage Crisis, linking them to contemporary politics. Weichert examines Iran's internal dynamics, ideological underpinnings of its foreign policy, and the challenges in achieving lasting peace. "The Shadow War" offers a comprehensive view of Iran's influence in shaping Middle Eastern geopolitics and its complex interactions with global powers.
In accordance, these facts will be used to explore the foundations of this ideology and its current rhetoric, by giving examples from newspapers, magazines, speeches, public gatherings and meetings. Our point of focus will be the anti-democratic discourse in Turkey.
Additionally, this essay will investigate what such fundamental groups’ anti-democratic expressions are based on, with particular interests in Islamic discourse, such as Quran and Hadith. In addition to such religious factors we will identify whether these elements carry factors of nationalism and what their significance is in current Turkish politics. This paper will offer an investigation of the similarities and differences of ideology between such extremist groups and ISIL, followed by a thorough analysis of how they shape public opinion and executive action.
The book covers Iran's use of asymmetric warfare and proxy alliances, which have significantly impacted Middle Eastern geopolitics. Additionally, the author explores potential triggers for a new Intifada in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The book also delves into Iran's cyber warfare capabilities and nuclear ambitions, highlighting their implications for global security. The narrative revisits critical historical events like the 1953 coup and the Iran Hostage Crisis, linking them to contemporary politics. Weichert examines Iran's internal dynamics, ideological underpinnings of its foreign policy, and the challenges in achieving lasting peace. "The Shadow War" offers a comprehensive view of Iran's influence in shaping Middle Eastern geopolitics and its complex interactions with global powers.