Samenvatting

This research paper analyses the concept of cultural diplomacy and what role it could play on promoting Human Rights and building sustainable peace in the Eastern Mediterranean, with a specific focus on Turkey. After the recent events occurred in the Middle East, the so called Arab Spring, Turkey has suddenly seen herself promoted as a good example of successful democracy. Additionally, the prosperous economy and the economic growth that Turkey has been able to achieve lately have also started promoting Turkey as a new regional power. This sounds wonderful and very prosperous. However, the reality is rather different. Turkey has not yet been able to recognise the diversity of her population, as it is the case of the biggest minority group in the country, the Kurds, and she has not been willing to offer her citizens basic human rights nor basic freedoms in terms of freedom of expression and thought. The economic situation of the country is flourishing; however, the main question is: what price should be paid for achieving this growth? The purpose of this report is to analyse the role of cultural diplomacy and how it could help in solving all these issues.