Islamic and Turkic Factors in the German Propaganda in the Occupied Territory of Russia (1941–1944)

Abstract

The article deals with several topics raised in Nazi Germany’s propaganda about Islamic and Turkic issues directed at the population of occupied northwest territories in 1941–1944. The article analyzes newspapers published by the occupation administration in this region, as well as the published secondary sources. On the face of it, these topics were of little interest to local readers, yet they occupied a sizable place among topics handled by the media run by the occupation regime. A special emphasis was laid on familiarizing readers with conditions of Islam in the Crimea, the only Soviet area with a sizable Muslim population that was occupied by Germany. The region was showcased by Nazi Islamic-themed propaganda. In addition, propaganda also dealt with “unbearable” conditions of Muslims in the Soviet hinterland (Central Asia), and pan-Islamic issues, such as the activities of the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Hadj Amin al-Husseini. One idea ran through all these themes: the natural support of Islam and Muslims for Nazi Germany, and the equally natural antagonism between Islam/Muslims and the Soviet state. German propaganda also put a premium on the Turkic factor by emphasizing the role played by Turkey, a country spiritually close both to Germany and Soviet Muslims of Turkic descent.