The Possibility of Multiculturalism in a Nation State: A Debate on Europe and Millet System

Abstract

This article aims to examine the possibility of multiculturalism in the concept of nation state. It argues multiculturalism with comparison of it with terms of contemporary citizenship that emerged after establishment of nation states, and the millet system that was practiced during Ottoman Empire. The article bases the argument on crisis of multiculturalism debate in Europe. In the article, the concept of multiculturalism in a nation state is perceived as a dilemma, since the nation state is based on a dominant culture which is illustrated in term of Leitkultur. In this sense, the article asserts that developing a new concept of citizenship might be a solution for establishing a multicultural society, and applies this argument to the idea of European citizenship and identity.