In a conversation recorded for the Royal Ottoman Society, we welcomed His Excellency Volker Tschapke to explore how German history, contemporary politics and the legacy of the Ottoman Empire might meet today. The conversation touched on a possible restoration of the German monarchy, honest archives, the place of faith in modern society and the idea of constitutional monarchy in Europe.
A Monarchy Reimagined
Asked what Germany could expect if the Kaiser and the imperial institutions were restored, Volker Tschapke stressed that such a change would require careful preparation. He compared it to the period after 1806, when French occupation forced the German states through six years of recovery before new structures could emerge. A restored empire, in his view, would need strong leadership – perhaps a chancellor in the mould of Otto von Bismarck – to guide the nation through what he called today’s “knockdown” in European politics.
Strategic Partnerships and the Ottoman Connection
One striking moment was the suggestion that a renewed Prussia could be rebuilt with help from the Ottoman Empire. Volker Tschapke recalled the historic ties between Germany and the Ottomans, noting that their cooperation once contributed to stability in Europe. He imagined German states such as Bavaria, Württemberg and Saxony aligning with Ottoman support, creating a new balance of power that might also include closer coordination with Russia – as an alternative to the dominant influence of the United States.
The Question of Archival Integrity
The conversation turned to the importance of transparent historical records. Referring to Turkey’s experience after Atatürk’s 99‑year restriction on Ottoman archives was lifted, Volker Tschapke asked whether German documents from the era of Kaiser Wilhelm II might likewise have been altered over the past century. No evidence was presented, but the question reflects a broader concern: political agendas can reshape collective memory, and societies benefit from open access to authentic sources.
On the rapid decline of religious practice in Europe, Volker Tschapke repeated a sentence he had used before: “We Germans fear only God.” Every community, he argued, needs a moral anchor – whether in Islam, Christianity or another tradition – that gives meaning beyond material wealth and helps people and nations pursue peace and resilience in turbulent times.
Constitutional Monarchy as an Idea
Finally, the discussion asked why Germany is not a constitutional monarchy like the United Kingdom. Volker Tschapke acknowledged both the achievements and the tragedies of monarchic systems, but suggested that a symbolic sovereign could offer stability without compromising democratic values – a “leader democracy” worth considering in today’s German debate.
We thank His Excellency Volker Tschapke for sharing these perspectives. If you would like to continue the conversation with others who explore history, spirituality and cultural dialogue, join our community.
