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In response to BooMan‘s request for discussion on Sunday’s Turkish elections.
(CSM) Oct. 7, 2004 – Over the past decade, these Islamic-minded business owners from Turkey’s conservative Anatolia region have emerged as a counterweight to the country’s established secular elite.
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk founded Turkey as a modern Republic
As Turkey moves ever closer to its long-held goal of joining the EU, people like Hasnalcaci have become an important – and perhaps surprising – force behind the country’s westward push.
They’re embracing the old elite’s European dream for Turkey, yet steadfastly holding on to their Muslim identity and conservative lifestyle.
“This is the new face of Turkey. Ten years ago, some of this Islamic bourgeoisie was hesitant about joining the EU, but the hearts and minds have changed,” says Nilufer Narli, a sociologist at Istanbul’s Kadir Has University.
“They are for progress and modernization but with a big difference – they want to conserve their traditional life in the family and with their acquaintances,” she adds. “They really want to adopt European norms, but there are some areas, like gender relations, where it won’t be easy for them to do that.”
Hasnalcaci is also chairman of the Kayseri branch of the Independent Industrialist and Businessmen’s Association, known as MUSIAD, a national group that is something like a pro-Islamic chamber of commerce.
When it was founded in 1990, MUSIAD cast its gaze to the east and Turkey’s Islamic neighbors. Since then, it has become a strong supporter of Turkey’s EU bid, while still promoting improved economic ties with the Muslim world.
“A lot of them are pragmatic, and they have a government that is telling them that EU membership will mean more religious freedom and reduce the power of the military and the arch secular establishment,” says Suat Kiniklioglu, director of the Ankara Center for Turkish Policy Studies.
(BBC News) July 19 – When the AK party tried to put a devout man in the presidency, thousands took to the streets in protest carrying enormous national flags. One of the largest demonstrations was here in Izmir.
Secularists stage mass protest in Turkey
The government was forced to back down for now. But some suggest the crisis over the presidential election exposed a deeper division here.
“There may be two Turkeys in terms of lifestyle,” concedes Professor Tanju Tosun of Izmir’s Ege university. “But step by step we are absorbing democratic values and learning to live together.” It is a delicate balancing act.
The two Turkeys have lived side by side for eight decades. But now power is swinging towards more religious-minded Turks, the country’s secular system – and its democracy – are being tested.
Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul has warned that moderate Turks are becoming anti-American and anti-EU.
Mr Gul said many Turks were embittered by the US’ support for Israel’s actions in Lebanon and by Turkey’s problems in joining the EU.
He also said Ankara could be forced to act to stop cross-border raids by Kurdish rebels operating from Iraq.
Muslim protesters shout slogans and carry banners denouncing EU as they protest in front of honorary consulate of Denmark in Izmir, western Turkey, February 3, 2006. REUTERS/Str
● EU Divided on Negotiations with Turkey
● Is the EU a Christian Club?
"But I will not let myself be reduced to silence."
