Murat Akser

This thesis is a study of the critique of Turkish modernization in Halit Refig's films made between 1961-69 with special emphasis on Refig's de/reconstruction of Turkish identity. The analysis argues that Halit Refig's films make a critique of the modernization project stated in the later days of Ottoman Empire and deepened by the Kemalist elite and its effects on the collective consciousness of Turkish people. Refig deconstructs Turkish identity on three levels: the clash between Kemalist (constructed) identity and Turkish people's (authentic) cultural identity; the tension between east and west, represented by urban and rural in the big city; finally, the use of women as ideological tools by the Kemalist elite to construct the new national identity.
This study also aims to bring new debate on one of the most prolific Turkish cinema and its auteurs. Included in the introduction is a literature review to establish a theoretical framework and clarify theoretical issues relevant to the thesis.
Chapter One examines the Kemalist intellectual and their representation in Watchmen of the Dawn (1963) and Stranger in the City (1962). Both films emphasize the Kemalist intellectual's journey to his people and his portrayal of populist democracy as evil.
Chapter Two examines urban-rural conflict in Girls of Istanbul (1965) and Birds of Exile (1965). The immigrants' responses to urban life and the clash of three civilizations (Turkish-Ottoman-Western) in the urban Istanbul landscape are the focus of analysis.
Chapter Three examines women and history and allegory in Four Women in the Harem (1965). I Lost My Heart to a Turk (1969). The use of women as symbolic, ideological markers of modernization is explored.

In this study, the revolutionary intellectual, as portrayed in the March 12 novels, is discussed. First, the intellectual is defined and the qualities of the revolutionary intellectuals in March 12 novels discussed. It is argued that they had a persistent criticism of the bourgeois class and sympathy for the underprivileged people. They had a mission to civilize and protect their people. Second, revolution and revolutionary ideals were discussed. The revolutionaries shape their identity as a reaction to authority and to their parents who are usually of Kemalist origin. They are assisted by a local intellectual instead. It is also argued that the revolutionaries in fact cannot agree on a shared definition of revolution. Third, the psychological breakdown of the revolutionary intellectual is discussed. They experience paranoia and feel guilty and hopeless. It is argued that they also think their failure was result of their fragmentation and because were so removed from the people. And finally, revolutionary women are discussed. The role of women in nation building process is mentioned and it is seen that Turkish women are used as ideological markers of modernity and did not fight for citizenship right like their European counterparts. Though they want to act on their own, they are prevented by a public patriarchy. Revolutionary women violate this code and are treated like prostitutes. Criticism of bourgeois women is noted in their depiction as perfect consumers. Also the contrast between the rural and urban women is described.