Page - 132 - in Limina - Grazer theologische Perspektiven, Volume 2:1

132 | www.limina-graz.eu hande Birkalan-Gedik | muslim | martyr | masculine Meaning “four” in Arabic, this symbol is also connected to the protest marches in Egypt, as it is used by the supporters of the Muslim Brother- hood, who toppled Mohammed Morsi. Erdoğan also had been using these gestures in his public speeches. He propagates nationalism as one nation, one flag, one homeland, and one state, the four elements which are all rep- resented in the monument. While this is a public place for remembering the casualties, Erdoğan’s references to the Muslim Brotherhood and to a Muslim nationalism should not be ignored. Certainly, the idea of martyr monuments is not new. Among the most important memorials of martyrdom in Turkey are the Aviation Martyrs’ Monument in Istanbul and the Çanakkale Martyrs’ Memorial in Gallipoli, which remain symbols of the Turkish War of Independence. With the new nationalism, the AKP is trying to rewrite a history of martyrdom “here” and “now,” to create its own myth of nationalism through monuments. Conclusion Some scholars might argue that the connection between militarism and masculinity is changing. It is true that the Turkish government in 2018 offered the possibility of a short-term military service of 21 days in ex- change for a reasonable payment. More than 630,000 men above the age of 25 applied. While this might mean that a substantial part of Turkey’s male population in the age group 25 and above will have only taken part in a symbolic form of military service and will not be socialized through the associated discourses and practices of nationalist masculinity directly, it should be born in mind that militarism is perpetuated in many different ways in every day life in Turkey. This includes schoolbooks, public speeches, the media, and advertisements, not to mention the rituals of sending men off to military. In short, the aura of the “military” permeates Turkey beyond the military service itself. Conscientious objectors are still socially stigmatized, as gay men must prove pictures about their gay identity to get an exemption from the military service and have to consult a board of medical doctors to obtain a report that states that they are “çürük”—literally “rotten”—a category reserved for the ill and disabled. On the other hand, ferries that connect The aura of “military” permeates Turkey beyond the military service itself. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/ R4bia [accessed on 3 May, 2019]