ABSTRACT
After four centuries in which an Islamic code for minorities recognized Ottoman Jews as a specific part of the nation, in 1923 Jewish community officials exchanged differentiated special status for universal citizenship in the Turkish Republic, effacing communal autonomy for the promise of emancipation. Unlike the previous decade when antisemitism and xenophobia were intertwined, 1933–1943 period is characterized more by a standalone antisemitism which partially stemmed from the financial crisis and from Nazi propaganda. In 1940–1941, a general mobilization of reserve soldiers took place in Turkey. The establishment of the State of Israel, which occurred in late 1960s period, was seen positively in Turkey, which increased the local Jewish community's prestige in the eyes of Turks. From 1960s–1970s period onward, religious nationalist parties that espoused antisemitism as part of their platforms existed in Turkey mainly due to the establishment of the new constitution in 1961 which, as mentioned, was more liberal during this time, and defended freedom of speech.
