The Early Turkestani Emigre Struggle and Turkestanism: Nation - Imagining in Emigration: 1925-1940

Abstract

The early Turkestani emigre 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 emigre leaders and pan-Turkists like Zeki Velidi Togan, Mustafa Cokayoglu, Osman Hoca and Nihal Atsiz 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.