Quote Originally Posted by KukriKhan
I see, I think. Please let me test my understanding.

If I, of western European-christian and North American-animist heritage, learn the Turk language and culture, move to Istanbul and live among Turks, as though I were a Turk - if I then say "I am a Turk.", am I a Turk, as far as Turks are concerned?
Yes, like being an American. The American nation does not rely on ethnicity as well but still Americans are a nation, right? Actually look at France, they have got so many different ethinicities living together and they are all called French. Most of the modern constitutions describe their nationalities on the basis of citizenship.