Young Turk

noun
1.
a member of a Turkish reformist and nationalist party that was founded in the latter part of the 19th century and was the dominant political party in Turkey in the period 1908–18.
2.
an insurgent in a political party, especially one belonging to a group or faction that supports liberal or progressive policies:
The leadership of the party passed from the cautious old-line conservatives to the zealous Young Turks.
3.
Also, young Turk, young turk. any person aggressively or impatiently advocating reform within an organization.
Origin
1900-05
British Dictionary definitions for Young Turk

Young Turk

noun
1.
a progressive, revolutionary, or rebellious member of an organization, political party, etc, esp one agitating for radical reform
2.
a member of an abortive reform movement in the Ottoman Empire, originally made up of exiles in W Europe who advocated liberal reforms. The movement fell under the domination of young Turkish army officers of a nationalist bent, who wielded great influence in the government between 1908 and 1918
Young Turk in Culture

Young Turk definition


An insurgent person trying to take control of a situation or organization by force or political maneuver. The term originated from the mostly young Turkish officers who overthrew Ottoman rulers after World War I.

Slang definitions & phrases for Young Turk

Young Turk

noun phrase

A person, usually a young one, who threatens to overthrow an established system or order; an active rebel or reformer: He scrutinizes the new staff very carefully, and is dreadfully fearful of potential Young Turks

[1908+; originally, a member of Young Turkey, a revolutionary party of late 1800s Turkey, which finally established constitutional government in 1908]