Özet:

The relationship between religion and nationalism presents a complicated image in many respects. However, during the early periods of the nationalist ideology’s spread, the fact religion tried to unite its members on supra-national loyalty, a universal essence was regarded as an obstacle for the process of nation formation. On the other hand, during the same period, while religion-nationalism relation in some countries was not tense, religion functioned as the main factor for national identity. Except for the well-known Israel sample, loyalty to Catholicism and national independence in Poland and Ireland went hand in hand. Besides discussing the religious foundations role in creating national identity depending on the historical data in the Balkans during the modern times, this study has also focused on the question how each Balkan country has gained national character despite religious association.

Anahtar Kelimeler: