As the International Chair in Turkish and Ottoman History at the Collège de France enters its fifth and final year, it seemed appropriate to organize a colloquium on the lecture's central theme, "The Ottoman Empire and Turkey in the face of the West", combining a long-term historical vision with a critical analysis of increasingly sombre current events. The title of the symposium, borrowed from Serge Gainsbourg's famous song (1967/1969), is a reminder that relations between Turkey and Europe have always been marked by an emotional dimension of tension and contradiction. To discuss this, five intellectuals of Turkish nationality, each representing a different discipline, will offer their views and expertise on particular aspects of the question. The day will conclude with a general debate in which the public will be invited to participate.
All presentations will be in French, with the exception of Orhan Pamuk's talk, which will be in English. Headsets will be available for simultaneous translation for the public.
