The armies of the Ottoman Empire could not conquer Vienna, but 11 soccer players from Turkey think they can.It’s the way millions of Turks feel, a heady, near-mystical sense that their underdog run to the European Championship semi-finals is more than just about scoring goals. To many, it’s tied up with identity and insecurity, centuries of conflict and co-existence — and the nation’s prickly, modern-day drive to join the club of Europe.“There is an unwritten condition here in this country, the desire to show to the world what the Turks can do,” said Huseyin Bagci, a Turkish academic.But it’s not just Us versus Them.Nuance also defines a contest that has showcased Turkish skill, tenacity, and mind-bending luck in last-gasp wins against the Swiss, Czechs and Croatians that has made some here believe destiny will carry them to the final in Vienna.By conquering Europe with their soccer prowess, Turkey are also finding an outlet for the countless frustrations they have encountered in their bid to join the European Union. For more than a year, the process has drifted badly, afflicted by European uneasiness and Turkish vexation with terms they say are unfair or onerous.“Joyful Turks conquer Vienna!” the Turkish daily Hurriyet said after Turkey’s win over Croatia in a penalty shootout. The headline recalled Ottoman campaigns in Europe, repelled at the gates of Vienna in 1529 and 1683. By the time of the latter siege, Ottoman military prowess and economic vigor were in decline, and Europe was in the ascent. Many Turks still hark back to the glory days of the empire and blame its demise on the meddling of Western colonial powers — making their soccer run extra-sweet. Turkey finished third in the 2002 World Cup, where their opponents included Brazil, Senegal and Asian nations, but victory in Europe is “more important,” said Gursoy Delioglu, a chemistry teacher in Istanbul.Grim prospectsIn Parliament on Tuesday, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the national team had inspired “all people around the world who have to succeed despite difficult conditions, shortcomings and disadvantages.” Prospects for Turkey against the experienced, relentless Germans look grim, with key players out because of injuries and suspensions. But Turks place hopes in coach Fatih Terim, known as the “Emperor” because he expects total obedience, directing players like a military commander.Terim embodies the intense nationalism in Turkey, where some feel their sovereignty is under threat from Kurdish rebels, Christian and other minorities, Western powers and accusations that Turks committed genocide against Armenia in the early 20th century. The spectacle of euphoric crowds waving the red and white national flag makes liberal Turks nervous about possible intolerance among people who find an outlet in soccer, since none exists in the daily grind. For now, Turks see the championship through the lens of an old Turkish saying: “Showing the power of the Turk to the entire world.” On Wednesday, if defeat looms in the final minutes, some Turks might murmur another timeworn adage: “The Turk comes to his senses late.”
