Reconciling with Corruption (Book)

Reconciling from Degeneration is an essay and analytical work by Professor Dr. Hüsrev Hatemi (b. 1938), one of today’s leading Turkish thinkers, published by Dergâh Yayınları as part of its “Contemporary Turkish Thought” series. The book examines the fundamental debates of Turkish culture through the lenses of modernization and identity. It approaches the persistent question among intellectuals—“What should Turkish culture be?”—in light of Westernization with a reconciliatory and holistic perspective. First published in April 1988, the work consists of 264 pages and has reached its fifth edition as of October 2019.

Content and Thematic Structure

The work Reconciling from Degeneration centers on the enduring question among Turkish intellectuals since the era of Westernization: “What is Turkish culture?” It delves deeply into the core issues of this debate, such as whether pre-Islamic, Islamic, or Western values should dominate Turkish culture. Hatemi highlights how this issue was addressed comprehensively during the Tanzimat period and especially in the Constitutional Era. While emphasizing that the importance of this topic has not diminished today, he argues that its seriousness and depth have significantly eroded. He identifies questions such as “Do Turkish classics even exist?” as the clearest indicators of this decline.

The central thesis of the book is that Turkish culture’s historical and contemporary elements should not be evaluated through a binary opposition of “to discard or to retain,” but rather in terms of “what richness can they offer us today?” This approach represents an effort to achieve a non-degenerative reconciliation and synthesis between Turkey’s own cultural heritage and Western values, rather than rejecting the past or engaging in imitative Westernization. Hatemi advocates for a selective assessment of cultural elements, arguing that the past should not be seen merely as a burden but also as a resource for constructing the future. The book examines, from philosophical and sociological perspectives, how different cultural layers can coexist, how Turkish identity is multidimensional, and how this richness can be adapted to the contemporary world.

Language and Style

The language and style used by Hüsrev Hatemi in Reconciling from Degeneration reflect his deep knowledge of the subject and his conceptual mastery. The text presents complex cultural and philosophical debates in a clear, fluent, and accessible manner. While adopting an academic tone, Hatemi favors a measured narrative that facilitates direct communication with the reader. The work emphasizes a descriptive and objective approach, avoiding subjective evaluations or expressions of praise. Hatemi’s analytical method grounds his arguments in solid foundations, encouraging readers to think critically.

The Author’s Position and the Work’s Significance

Professor Dr. Hüsrev Hatemi has made various contributions not only in the field of medicine but also in Turkish thought, culture, and art. He is known for his writings on modernization, the relationship between tradition and modernity, cultural identity, and the social responsibility of intellectuals.

Reconciling from Degeneration addresses key issues within the context of Turkish modernization history and cultural identity debates. Topics such as the preservation of cultural heritage, the relationship between traditional values and modern social structures, and the construction of national identity are thoroughly examined in the book.