Justice and Development Party (AKP)

Definition

The Justice and Development Party (AKP) is a political party in Turkey founded in 2001, known for its conservative and Islamic-oriented policies. The AKP emerged from the political landscape shaped by the legacy of secular governance and political Islam, seeking to bridge the gap between modernity and tradition while addressing the aspirations of various social groups within Turkey.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The AKP was founded by a group of moderate Islamists, including Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who aimed to present a new political identity that combined Islamic values with democratic governance.
2. The party gained significant popularity after coming to power in 2002, largely due to its economic reforms that led to rapid growth and stability in Turkey.
3. One of the key aspects of the AKP's platform has been its approach to foreign policy, balancing relations with the West while also fostering closer ties with the Middle East.
4. Over time, the AKP has faced criticism for increasingly authoritarian practices and a crackdown on dissent, particularly after events like the Gezi Park protests in 2013.
5. The AKP's governance has sparked debates about the balance between religious identity and secularism in Turkey, leading to tensions within Turkish society regarding national identity.

Review Questions

• How did the AKP redefine the relationship between political Islam and Turkish governance since its establishment?
  • Since its establishment, the AKP has redefined the relationship between political Islam and Turkish governance by presenting itself as a moderate and reformist party that respects democratic principles while integrating Islamic values into public policy. This approach aimed to appeal to a broad spectrum of society, including both secularists and religious conservatives. The AKP's emphasis on economic development and social justice allowed it to gain widespread support, challenging the traditional secular political elite while navigating the complex landscape of Turkish identity.
• Discuss how the legacy of Kemalism has influenced the policies and rhetoric of the AKP in Turkey.
  • The legacy of Kemalism has significantly influenced the policies and rhetoric of the AKP by presenting a backdrop against which the party operates. While Kemalism emphasizes strict secularism and nationalism, the AKP seeks to blend these principles with Islamic values. This has led to a careful navigation between maintaining Turkey's secular constitution and promoting religious expressions in public life. The AKP's approach includes reforms that expand freedoms for religious practices while often critiquing Kemalist policies as being out of touch with contemporary Turkish society.
• Evaluate the impact of domestic challenges on the regional role of Turkey under the AKP's leadership.
  • Domestic challenges under the AKP's leadership have had significant implications for Turkey's regional role. Issues such as rising authoritarianism, economic instability, and social unrest have complicated Turkey's foreign relations and its position as a regional power. As internal dissent grows, particularly from opposition groups and civil society, it diverts attention from external engagements and can lead to isolation from both Western allies and neighboring countries. Consequently, these domestic factors hinder Turkey's ability to project influence effectively in regional conflicts and diplomacy.

Related terms

Political Islam: A movement that seeks to apply Islamic principles to political governance and public policy, often emerging in response to secularism in Muslim-majority countries.

Kemalism: The founding ideology of modern Turkey, based on the principles set forth by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, emphasizing secularism, nationalism, and modernization.

Islamic conservatism: A political ideology that advocates for the incorporation of Islamic values into public life and governance, often opposing Westernization and secularism.