MIM Notes 186 May 15 1999

Liberal Turks mark Ottoman Empire anniversary

Ironically, some in Turkey celebrated the 700th anniversary of the 
"Ottoman Empire's" birth on April 8th. It was the Ottoman Empire 
that conquered Albania and defeated the Serbs in Kosovo in 1389. 
That historic battle is one reason that nationalist Serbs attach 
importance to war in Kosovo.

A Ph.D. in Turkey marking the birth of the empire said about the 
war in Yugoslavia:  "Behind these incidents, there are fascist 
approaches and several ideas remaining from communism. The 
atmosphere of peace and tranquility have never been installed 
again after the withdrawal of the Ottoman Empire from these 
places."

Serbia did not get Kosovo back until the Balkan Wars just before 
World War I this century. Even then Kosovo switched back into 
Albanian hands once in World War I and again in World War II.

MIM does not know the ulterior motives of Turkish liberal patriots 
to publish such nationalist drivel at this time, and in English no 
less. Certainly the effect is to whip up reactionary nationalism.

Nonetheless, perhaps many Amerikans will laugh at this while 
catching a glimmer of self-recognition. It is always easier to see 
appalling reactionary nationalism in other people.

Source: www.turkishpress.com