Book Review: Ceyda Nurtsch's 'Jeder Atemzug ein Fest' Examines Turkey's Political Divisions and Social Climate

A recent publication by journalist and Islamic studies scholar Ceyda Nurtsch, titled 'Jeder Atemzug ein Fest. Reportagen aus der Türkei,' explores the deep societal and political fractures within Turkey. The book presents five reportages and portraits that illustrate the country's polarized realities, tracing historical and political conditions that have shaped contemporary tensions. It begins with a historical overview of key milestones in Turkish history, then delves into personal stories from various regions and communities. These include accounts from Bursa, Istanbul, and a holiday colony on the Sea of Marmara, highlighting experiences of religious, ethnic, and ideological divides. The work addresses the legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's secular reforms, the suppression of minority identities like Kurds, and the recent political shifts under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his AKP party, which have reintegrated religion into public life. The narrative also touches on current events, such as the legal proceedings against opposition figure Ekrem İmamoğlu, the former mayor of Istanbul, who faces numerous charges and remains a potential presidential challenger despite his detention. Nurtsch observes that while polarization persists, there are emerging signs of fatigue with these divisions, as evidenced by widespread protests following İmamoğlu's arrest. The book argues that Turkey's aggressive and poisoned social climate stems from decades of attempted ethnic homogenization and Kemalist dogmas, yet it suggests a growing desire for pluralism. Published by Westend Verlag, the volume has been noted for its insightful reporting, though some editorial shortcomings are mentioned.