In the spy movie The Spy, an Israeli agent goes to 1960s Syria posing as a businessman and begins gathering intelligence. Although he is only a businessman on the surface, he manages to infiltrate the Syrian General Staff and government, and is even offered the position of Minister of Defense. Similar incidents have occurred in Iran, Lebanon, and Jordan. Aren’t there comparable spies and collaborators in Turkey? That’s debatable — but what needs to be discussed first is whether Turkey can persuade one of its citizens as effectively as Israel can. What kind of ideal does it offer, and how many followers does it have for which cause?
Context of the Question
Turkey’s ideal (ülkü) is a contentious concept in both historical and contemporary contexts. On the one hand there is the Republic’s founding ideal of rising “above the contemporary civilization level,” and on the other hand there are modern visions such as the “Century of Turkey,” which shape the country’s strategic orientation. This ideal is not only a goal of development, but also expresses a desire for a free and strong social order. However, the definition of that ideal has shifted in different periods, which at times has increased its persuasive power and at other times weakened it.
The Persuasive Power of the Ideal and Its Challenges
For Turkey’s ideal to be convincing, merely voicing high-minded goals is not enough; those goals must be supported by concrete and consistent policies. When trustworthy examples are produced in education, justice, and the economy, the ideal can transform from abstract rhetoric into tangible reality. How well does Turkey manage this? What motivation does Turkey offer to individuals from whom it expects sacrifice? These are long discussions that contain difficult truths to admit.
MOSSAD’s Devotion
Netflix’s The Spy tells the story of Mossad agent Eli Cohen’s years of sacrifice. Cohen infiltrated the highest ranks in Syria under a false identity, living apart from his family and under constant risk. The source of that devotion is Israel’s collective message and its track record of success. We do not want to make comparisons for the sake of comparison; as citizens who love our country, we only wish to draw attention to a danger. Can Turkey succeed even in internal struggles, let alone battlefronts or intelligence wars? Can it eliminate the corruption that hides behind nationalist rhetoric?
How Ready Are We for War?
If we look at politicians’ behavior rather than their rhetoric, there may be no need for Israeli agents. Corruption and indecency are handled professionally every day. In every major collapse, politicians who rely on the sacrifices of the Turkish people — will they receive the same sacrifices this time? We are in a weak generation that struggles even to show decency to its own circle, let alone die for a politician’s slogans in a war. Before dying for a politician’s cause, we should at least be able to follow simple traffic rules and basic moral principles.
The Cause of Morality, the Journey of Perfection
Can an entire country’s concern always be reduced to shameful football matches? How can a morally deprived crowd become the cover for corruption and repeatedly lose itself in a game that brings shame and poverty? This is only one sign among many about society. A citizen doesn’t have to die on the battlefield; we want him to respect simple rules in traffic first. He must not take responsibility but also should not criticize those responsible. He should progress in moral development, not regress or remain infantile.
For such a model person, the primary requirement is that the goal and the path be kept straight. But we can reach the right goal in the right way. First we must re-examine our ideal, and then act with a convincing morality and proper conduct. Otherwise, like the politicians we look at with pity, we will punish ourselves and pretend it is a reward. If we think about ideals as much as we think about nations; if we take priorities into account as much as goals; if we value principles as much as achievements, then perhaps we can succeed.
Ask whether a person who talks about being nationalist or self-sacrificing can first be self-sacrificing about their own anger. Can they show respect to the person on the street for the sake of their nation? Can a politician who drags the country into war be moral for the sake of the homeland? It would be enough if they could at least refrain from insulting the people during hours when children are watching. Let them keep what they stole — can they at least manage to look as if they’re charitable?
