The early Turkestani émigré struggle and turkestanism: Nation – imagining in emigration: 1925-1940;

Abstract

The early Turkestani émigré struggle was an important example of ‘nation imagining’ in emigration. In this arti­cle, the challenges faced by Turkestani nationalist leaders who had left their fatherland after the Bolshevik invasion of their country are examined. The activities of émigré leaders and pan-Turkists like Zeki Velidî Togan, Mustafa Çokayoğlu, Osman Hoca and Nihal Atsız are illustrated in some detail. Special attention is given to policy for­mation, propaganda tactics, the use of media (mainly by publishing periodicals), and the organization of NGOs with the mission of setting and uniting the public (in di­aspora) against Russian invasion. It is hoped that this dis­cussion will enable researchers to make better assessments of the past and intelligent projections for the future. The work is based on extensive original sources, most of which have not been exploited before in English language publications. © 2016, Ahmet Yesevi University. All rights reserved.