Myths, Symbols and Branding:

This thesis explores the premise that myths + symbols + branding create a collective group s and that of their leader s identity. In particular, it examines the creation of Gök-Türks and Boz Kurt myths + symbols as the internal myths + symbols of the Republic of Türkey and their eponymous leader, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Same premise is applied to Türkey s us/other + other, Europe/EU, as they re- create and re-focus their collective group s identity as it manifests into ill-fitting myths + symbols, and search for a homogeneous leader who embodies these qualities. Finally, does each collective s myths + symbols cause mutual misunderstandings between Türkey + Europe/EU? Branding, as the final manifestation of the formula, reinforces a collective group s internal myths +symbols, externally to their us/other + others. The two collective group identities have been examined with the following created formulas: A. Bridge-word formula; B. Composite-word formula; C. Cyclical-word formula

Autorentext

Dr Hatice Sitki has been fascinated by the myths and symbols of different cultures all her life. This interest has led her to collect various arte-facts of any/all cultures in an attempt to discover and understand their hidden, silent and permanently undisclosed messages that lie deep within them.