Work

The territorial constellations of social movements: socialists, nationalists and Islamists in 1970s Istanbul

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This article revisits the relationship between social movements and territory. While the literature is dominated by accounts of progressive movements in conflict with authoritarian states, there has been scant attention to social movements competing with each other. Our study of 1970s Istanbul shows how socialists, nationalists and Islamists sought to expand their territories to recruit, organise and control strategic spaces in the city. Through the concept of territorial constellations, we trace how movements forged intricate ties within and across contested spaces. These constellations, we argue, were shaped by movement ideology, relationship to the state and entanglement in broader struggles.

Source: Territory Politics Governance

DOI: 10.1080/21622671.2026.2714875

Authors: Ceylin Idel, Justus Uitermark

Institution: University of Amsterdam

Language: English

Topic: Turkey's Politics and Society

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek