THE '93 WAR (1877 – 1878) IN THE TEXTBOOKS OF BOTH PARTIES

Abstract

This paper studies ’93 war, which occurred between Ottomans and Russians in the years of 1877-1878, in Turkish and Russian textbooks of 2016-2017 school year. Two history textbooks were examined as research instruments in the study; the former of these is “İstoriya Rossii” History of Russia published by Danilov and Kosulina in 2015, and used as Grade 8 History Textbook in Russia, and the latter is Grade 10 Secondary Education History Textbook published by Tüysüz in 2015. The data were analyzed descriptively. Both of the textbooks, which contain visuals and maps, were examined in terms of similarities and differences in the way they address or handle the subject. Thus, the aim is to provide students different perspectives; moreover, was to help students improve not only their empathy skills but also their historical and analytical thinking skills. The results of the study showed that in the related parts of the Russian textbook, there are heavy accusations towards Turks, which also contradicts international history teaching; furthermore, both textbooks are inadequate at giving numeric data. On the other hand, the Russian textbook is better at person and place names, and improving sense of belonging compared to Turkish textbook