ABSTRACT
This chapter proposes the Turkish identity is a political concept that is related but not confined to cultural identity. It traces the Europeanisation process with regard to Turkish identity on the basis of adoption of norms and values propagated by the EU under the adherence to democracy as an overriding political norm embodying a system of checks and balances and moderation of power, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The chapter focuses on the basis of the effects of the fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria on identity definition in Turkey by helping the consolidation of a democratic system respectful of human and minority rights. It refers to a change of national identities under the influence and interaction with the processes, exchanges, institutions, values and norms engendered by European integration. Turkey attributed great importance to being justly treated by the EU throughout the process of candidacy.
