Özet:

The concepts of identity and multiculturalism are at the center of intense debates in social sciences. In the process of the formation of modern nation states, the construction of the national identity, which is one of the main points of movement, and the understanding of the assimilation or destruction of differences in this context prevailed. Differences are seen as a threat to existing unity. The construction of national identity has been realized in different countries of the world according to the historical, geographical, economic, religious, cultural and other conditions of those countries. Some countries have seen the present differences as a threat to the nation state and its national identity to be built. They went to the way of assimilating them, destroying them if they were not assimilated. In some states this process has been more peaceful and less focused on assimilation. Beginning in the 1970s, multiculturalism began to be emphasized, especially in the most developed countries of the world. It is emphasized that differences can live together and harmlessly. It is argued that differences are a source of wealth and do not pose a threat to national identity. Increasing xenophobia in the most developed countries of the West is causing concern at the expense of multiculturalism. This study will focus on the approach to differences in the context of national identity construction and the possibility of multiculturalism, especially expressed in the West.

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