Pro-Turkish Islamic Organizations in France as a Tool of the “Soft Power” of the Turkish Republic

Abstract

The article presents some aspects of the activities of two large socio-spiritual organizations («Millî Görüş» and the «Coordinating Committee of Turkish Muslims in France») operating in the Fifth Republic. These organizations represent the main associations expressing the interests and values of a significant part of the Turkish diaspora at the national level. Based on the analysis of statements made by their leaders in the media, communiques posted on social networks, as well as speeches of French officials, the author has identified a number of main directions of socio-political activity of these communities, demonstrating both their direct involvement in political activities in the country and their control by the official Ankara. The article confirms the fact that the Turkish diasporas are not focused not only on assimilation, but also on integration into the society of the country of residence. In fact, migrants live in the country and position themselves as Turks living in France, but not as citizens of the French Republic of Turkish origin. This approach differs from the Republican understanding of the word «citizenship». The author also estimated the number of supporters of these organizations. The conclusions presented in the work show the potential for “practical interaction” of representatives of the Russian diplomatic corps with the two named movements, as well as potential “directions” of this interaction.