Turkish Event. Geostrategic Studies Team
Turkey has long been a battleground for the conflict between secularism and political Islam, a struggle that reflects a deeper ideological and political battle for control over the state's identity. Since the establishment of the Turkish Republic by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1923, secularism has been one of the cornerstones of modern Turkish identity. Over time, however, this conflict has evolved into a recurring struggle between various political forces, with the rise of political Islam under the Justice and Development Party (AKP) led by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in opposition to the secular forces led by the Kemalist Republican People's Party (CHP).
In recent years, tensions between the AKP and the CHP have intensified, raising critical questions about the future of this struggle amidst the political turbulence in Turkey. This analysis seeks to understand the developments in this context, particularly in light of the growing alliance between Erdoğan’s AKP and the Turkish Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) led by Devlet Bahçeli, as well as the role of Turkey’s so-called "deep state" in influencing these dynamics.
Secularism and Political Islam in Turkey: A Historical Background
After the establishment of the Turkish Republic by Atatürk, secularism became the cornerstone of the modern state. Atatürk aimed to separate religion from politics in an effort to transform Turkey into a Western-style nation, which led to a series of reforms, including the abolition of the caliphate, the closure of religious schools, and the establishment of a legal and educational system based on Western ideals. During this period, secularism was seen as a symbol of Western superiority and a reflection of the republican ideology that rejected any form of religious influence in state affairs.
Despite these efforts, Islamic forces never fully disappeared from the Turkish political landscape. Islamist movements that rejected the secular model began to emerge, most notably the Welfare Party led by Necmettin Erbakan in the 1970s, which later succeeded in reaching government power in the 1990s. Over time, the AKP, led by Erdoğan, emerged as the dominant political force representing political Islam.
The AKP and Islamic Orientation
In 2002, Erdoğan’s AKP won the Turkish general elections and began presenting itself as a moderate Islamist party capable of combining conservative values with modern Western ideals. While the AKP claimed to embrace democratic principles, its policies have gradually shifted toward strengthening the Islamic character of Turkish society. This shift includes constitutional reforms and expanded religious freedoms, reopening places like the Hagia Sophia as a mosque, promoting religious activities in schools, and organizing large religious conferences.
However, the Islamic policies of the AKP have not been entirely in line with traditional Turkish Islamist movements. Erdoğan has refused to embrace the “Islamic awakening” model that seeks to ideologically challenge secularism. Instead, his approach involves gradually reintroducing Islamic elements into state institutions without fully confronting the secular system. While this approach appears more balanced, it has sparked intense opposition from secular forces, who view it as a threat to the secular foundation of the republic.
The CHP and Kemalist Ideology
The CHP, under the leadership of Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, is the inheritor of Atatürk’s Kemalist ideals. The party strives to preserve the secular and modernist values that Atatürk instilled in the Turkish Republic, rejecting any erosion of secularism or attempts to merge Islam with politics. In recent years, the CHP has become the primary political opposition to the AKP, with escalating confrontations over issues such as freedom of expression, education policy, and Turkey’s relations with the West.
As political tensions grow, the CHP has increasingly represented the intellectual and political home of Turkey’s secular forces, advocating for a return to the Kemalist principles that emphasize a strict separation of religion from politics. The party faces significant challenges in confronting the growing influence of Islamic politics, reflecting a deepening divide between secular and Islamic factions in Turkish society.
Political Alliances: Erdoğan and the Turkish Nationalist Movement
In recent years, Turkey has witnessed a notable political shift with Erdoğan’s AKP strengthening its alliance with the Turkish Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), led by Devlet Bahçeli. This alliance, known as the "People’s Alliance," seeks to solidify political stability in Turkey but also reflects a shift in Erdoğan’s strategies. The MHP, representing the more hardline Turkish nationalist movement, has not only focused on reinforcing Turkish identity but also increasingly aligned itself with Islamic political goals.
This alliance between the AKP and the MHP represents a significant development in Turkish politics, where political Islam and Turkish nationalism are increasingly intertwined. This partnership strengthens Erdoğan’s position and grants him broad popular support against opposition parties. Moreover, it signifies a broader shift in Turkey’s political direction toward more religiously informed nationalism.
The Deep State in Turkey: Shifting Support from Kemalism to Political Islam
For many years, the "deep state" in Turkey—comprising influential military, security, and judicial institutions—has played a powerful, informal role in shaping political outcomes. Traditionally, the deep state has supported secularism, often intervening directly in politics or influencing decision-making processes to protect the secular and Kemalist order.
However, with the rise of the AKP in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the role of the deep state. These institutions, particularly the military and security services, have gradually distanced themselves from the strict support of secularism and, in some cases, have embraced more favorable positions toward political Islam, largely due to Erdoğan’s growing alliance with the MHP. This shift indicates a transformation in the power structures within Turkey, as the deep state adapts to the increasingly dominant position of Erdoğan’s government and his political agenda.
While this transformation is not a complete departure from secularism, it represents a significant change in the nature of the state’s institutions and their relationship with religious politics. The deep state’s role in supporting the AKP’s policies highlights a profound shift in the traditional Kemalist state apparatus, which had previously been tasked with safeguarding secularism.
The Future: Prospects of the Secularism vs. Political Islam Struggle
In light of the developments discussed, the struggle between secularism and political Islam in Turkey appears to be entering a new phase of tension and uncertainty. As the rift between the AKP and CHP intensifies, and with the emergence of new political alliances between Erdoğan and the nationalist MHP, Turkey seems to be at a crossroads, where the future of its secular identity remains highly contested.
The continued alliance between the AKP and the MHP will likely play a decisive role in shaping the trajectory of the struggle between secularism and political Islam. If this alliance holds, Turkey may experience a further shift toward strengthening the Islamic character of the state, leading to fierce opposition from secular forces. At the same time, the deep state’s influence will remain crucial in determining how these political struggles unfold in the coming years.
Conclusion
The conflict between secularism and political Islam in Turkey is not merely a political struggle for power, but an ideological battle over the identity of the state and its relationship with religion. As tensions between the AKP and the CHP grow, and with the evolving political alliances involving Erdoğan and the MHP, Turkey is likely to face a critical juncture in its history. The outcome of this struggle will shape the future of the Turkish Republic and its position on the global stage in the years to come.
