Lecture Notes: Power Dynamics in Turkey

Introduction

• Turkey is driven by a desire to be powerful and revive national pride.
• Symbols of this are flags and images of two key figures:
  • Kemal Ataturk: Represents a secular republic as modern Turkey's first president.
  • Recep Tayyip Erdogan: Current president aiming to establish a new Turkish identity shaped by religious faith.

Secularism vs. Religion

• Turkey remains divided between secularism and religion.
• Erdogan's Approach:
  • Prioritizes Islam, believing religion unifies the country.
  • Popular among the pious rural population for reversing restrictions on headscarves in government settings.
  • Critics argue he leverages past coup attempts to bolster Islamic nationalism.

New Turkish Identity

• Government-financed Mosques: Symbolize the "new Turkey" that is self-confident.
• Support for Erdogan:
  • His supporters view the thwarted coup as a chance to build a nation based on Islam.
  • The separation of religion and state is seen as outdated by some supporters.

Perspectives from Supporters

• Mohamed:
  • AK Party member, lawyer, views loyalty to the president as a national duty.
  • Believes in supporting the government during the state of emergency for national unity.

Views from Critics

• Fatih Yaşle:
  • Professor of nationalism studies, argues Islamic nationalism is polarizing and dangerous.
  • Predicts potential job loss or imprisonment for opposing Erdogan.
  • Critiques Erdogan's promises of building national brands as stirring primitive nationalism.

Current Political Climate

• More mosques are being constructed as part of Erdogan's vision.
• Approximately half the population supports Erdogan's blend of Islam and nationalism, viewing it as a return to pre-Ataturk Ottoman greatness.

Conclusion

• Turkey's fate is tightly linked to the interplay of politics and religion, a historical constant.