The JDP and Making the Post-Kemalist Secularism in Turkey

Description

This book is an analytical study of secularism in contemporary Turkey by tracing its historical trajectory within the context of political transformation in a country that experienced a social and cultural rupture in its formative years. Its principal focus is on the policies and practices of the current ruling party, the Justice and Development Party (JDP), which has influenced the process of change, evolution, and transformation with regard to secularism and state policies toward religion. Following its foundation in 2001, the JDP developed a unique approach to conceptualising the relationship between state and religion. In contrast to other mainstream parties and political positions both in the past and present, it offers an alternative vision and model to that of inherited Kemalist secularism, as formulated by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (the founder of modern Turkey) and refined by his close associates in the formative period of the Republic. The project draws its findings from in-depth interviews with members of political parties, civil society activists and religious leaders.    Contents Abbreviations 1 Introduction Kemalist Secularism as the Elephant in the Dark Room The JDP and Emergence of Rival Modes of Seculasrisms in Turkey Rethinking the Multiple Modernities Paradigm in the Context of Turkish Case Conducting Research on the Transformation of Secularism in Turkey Interviews Primary Documents Structure of the Book Notes 2 Two Sides of the Same Secularism Story: Kemalists Versus Non-Kemalists in Modern Turkey A Critical Analysis of Kemalist Secularism and Opposition Against It in a Subdued Society (1923–1946) Challenging Kemalist Secularism with the Invention of Ataturkist Secularism: The Menderes Case (1946–1960) Opening the Centre for Pious Muslims: The Özal Case (1983–1993) The Rise of Political Islamism as an Alternative to Centre-Right Politics: The Erbakan Case (1970–2002) The Criminalisation of Piousness: The 28th February Coup Conclusion Notes 3 The Anatomy of the JDP and the Emergence of Post-Kemalist Secularism Formation of the Justice and Development Party (2001–2004) The JDP’s Ideological Formation and Emergence of the Conservative Democracy Brand The JDP’s Post-Kemalist Secularism The JDP’s Struggle Against the Status Quo (2004–2010) Foundation of Post-Kemalist Turkey and Post-Kemalist Secularism: 2010 and Onwards Conclusion Notes 4 JDP’s Secularism and the Headscarf Kemalist Secularism Versus the Headscarf: A Historical Dispute Continuation of the Ban Under the JDP’s Governance (2002–2010) Headscarf Freedom as a Sign of Post-Kemalist Secularism Conclusion Notes 5 The JDP’s Secularism and Religious Education Kemalist Secularism and Religious Education The JDP’s Religious Education Approach Versus Kemalist Secularism Post-Kemalist Secularism and Pre-School Religious Education Post-Kemalist Secularism and Compulsory Religion Course in Public Schools Post-Kemalist Secularism and Imam Hatip Schools Conclusion Notes 6 JDP’s Secularism and Turkey’s Religious and Sectarian Minorities Kemalist Secularism Versus Religious and Sectarian Minorities The JDP’s Post-Kemalist Secularism and Non-Muslim Minorities Property Acquisition Changing the Perspective Towards Non-Muslims Security and Vulnerability of the Minorities Educational Demands Worship Issues Demands for Representation in Politics and Bureaucracy Public Apologies for Past Grievances JDP’s Post-Kemalist Secularism and the Alevis Recognition of Alevi Identity The Alevis’ Concerns About Compulsory Religious Instruction in Schools The Alevis’ Request for Recognition of Cemevi as Places of Worship Honouring the Memory of Alevi Victims Conclusion Notes Conclusion Bibliography Index