Le Figaro French daily newspaper published an article relating about Turkish authorities' nostalgia for country's imperial past, Hurriyet reported.

According to the article, everything related to Ottoman past is gaining popularity in Turkey.

Muslim bourgeoisie, which strengthened during the years Justice and Development Party was in power, is pushing aside the elite, traditional carrier of Kemalist ideals. At the same time, in foreign policy, dubbed neo-Ottomanism in the article, imperial trends become increasingly perceptible.

As the article notes, Turkish audience showed great interest to "Ottoman Republic" historical-fictional movie, portraying events in Turkey, still ruled by Ottoman sultan. The past is imagined by average men in Turkey as Pax Ottomana golden age, with peace, prosperity and creed tolerance prevailing in the Mediterranean.

Such moods become prevalent in view of Europe's refusing EU membership to Turkey, the article concludes.