On the “Geography is Destiny”

Abstract

This study focuses on the genealogy of the idea that “geography is destiny”. It claims that beside its pejorative meaning the idea has also an imperative meaning. In this regard, it defends considering geography as destiny is closely related with definition and imagination of the geography itself and has long historical material ground. Departing from this logic, the study focuses on relationship between the idea and diverse traditions in historical development of geographical thought to put forward how this relationship has been reproduced from antique times to modern times. In this respect, after chasing contribution of theological, astrological and cosmological traditions in classical age the study analyses role of mechanical, ecological and evolutionary world views in modern times and argues the aforementioned idea is an outcome of putting the nature and culture under same explanative umbrella. The study claims perceiving geography as destiny is product of idealistic geographical thought and functions as justification and legitimization tool for every kind of conservative politics.