14.2 The rise of the AKP and political Islam in Turkish politics

The AKP's rise in Turkish politics marks a shift from secular to more conservative rule. Founded in 2001, the party won elections by focusing on economic growth and social welfare, appealing to a broad voter base while distancing itself from its Islamist roots.

The AKP's impact on Turkish secularism has been significant, with increased visibility of Islamic symbols in public life. This has led to support from conservative voters but opposition from secular groups, creating a deep divide in Turkish society and raising concerns about democratic backsliding.

The Rise of the AKP in Turkish Politics

Origins of Justice and Development Party

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• Founded in 2001 by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other former members of the Virtue Party which was banned in 2001 for violating secularist principles enshrined in the Turkish constitution
• Positioned itself as a moderate, conservative democratic party that distanced itself from its Islamist roots and embraced a more pragmatic approach to politics and governance
• Gained popularity through its focus on economic growth, social welfare, and the prospect of Turkey's membership in the European Union (EU)
• Won a landslide victory in the 2002 general elections, forming a single-party government and ending a period of unstable coalition governments that had characterized Turkish politics in the 1990s
• Continued to win successive elections in 2007 and 2011, consolidating its power and becoming the dominant political force in Turkey

Factors in AKP's electoral success

• Economic growth and stability achieved through the implementation of successful economic reforms and policies that attracted foreign investment, improved infrastructure, reduced inflation, and increased GDP per capita
• Social welfare programs that expanded healthcare coverage, improved access to education, and introduced social assistance programs for low-income families, garnering support from a wide range of voters
• Appeal to a broad voter base that included both conservative and moderate voters by presenting itself as a party for all citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic background
• Weakening of opposition parties that were fragmented and unable to present a united front against the AKP, allowing the party to capitalize on the lack of a strong alternative
• Erdoğan's charismatic leadership and ability to portray himself as a strong, decisive leader who connected with voters through his populist rhetoric and personal appeal

Secularism, Islamism, and the AKP's Impact

AKP's impact on Turkish secularism

• Gradual erosion of the strict separation between religion and state, as evidenced by the increased visibility of Islamic symbols and practices in public life and the relaxation of restrictions on religious education and headscarves
• Promotion of a more conservative social agenda that emphasized traditional family values and gender roles, and attempts to regulate alcohol consumption and public displays of affection
• Tension with secular institutions, particularly the military, which historically acted as the guardian of secularism in Turkey, and controversies surrounding the appointment of religious conservatives to key positions in government and the judiciary
• Polarization of Turkish society, with a deepening divide between conservative and secular segments of the population and concerns about the erosion of secular principles and individual freedoms

Reactions to AKP governance

• Domestic reactions:
  1. Support from conservative and religious voters who feel empowered by the AKP's policies and the increased visibility of Islam in public life
  2. Opposition from secular groups who fear the erosion of Turkey's secular foundations and the increasing influence of religion in politics and society
  3. Protests and demonstrations against the AKP's increasing authoritarianism and perceived threats to individual freedoms and the rule of law
• International reactions:
  1. Initial praise for the AKP's economic reforms and progress towards EU membership, which was seen as a positive development for Turkey's democratic consolidation
  2. Growing concerns about the AKP's democratic backsliding and human rights record, particularly in the wake of the 2013 Gezi Park protests and the 2016 attempted coup
  3. Strained relations with Western allies due to foreign policy differences, particularly regarding Turkey's role in the Syrian conflict and its relations with Russia and Iran
• Implications for Turkey's future:
  1. Questions about the sustainability of the AKP's political dominance and its ability to maintain popular support in the face of economic challenges and growing social unrest
  2. Potential for further polarization and social unrest as the divide between conservative and secular segments of the population continues to widen
  3. Challenges in balancing relations with the West and regional powers, as Turkey navigates a complex geopolitical environment and seeks to assert its influence in the Middle East
  4. Uncertainty regarding the future direction of Turkey's secular-Islamic balance and the long-term impact of the AKP's policies on the country's democratic institutions and social fabric