Nationalism and Identity

As identity becomes intrinsically linked to nationalism in the novel, de Bernières reveals how a person’s identity is often tied to people and place, more so than national pride. As the narrative does not start in the midst of the war, de Bernières is able to show how the development of nationalist ideals leads to major conflict in the novel. As Christians and Muslims refer to themselves as Ottomans, they are not overly concerned about national identity and coexist relatively peacefully. Before the war, Istanbul is known as a cultural hotspot. During Rustem Bey’s visit, the narrators observes, “There were Muslim Greeks, Catholic Armenians, Arab Christians and Serbian Jews” (152). It is only after the war that this way of living is destroyed.

Though culture is an important aspect to many characters’ identities, it is nationalism that ultimately destroys their culture...