1997 military memorandum

Definition

The 1997 military memorandum was a significant document in Turkey that represented the military's influence over the country's political landscape, particularly concerning the rising power of political Islam. This memorandum effectively marked the military's intervention in politics, setting the stage for the eventual decline of the Welfare Party and the emergence of more moderate Islamic political movements like the AKP.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 1997 military memorandum led to the resignation of Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan and was viewed as a significant setback for political Islam in Turkey.
2. The memorandum stated that the military would not tolerate actions undermining secularism, thus reaffirming its role as a political actor.
3. Following the memorandum, many members of the Welfare Party faced legal challenges, ultimately leading to its dissolution in 1998.
4. The rise of the AKP can be partly attributed to the political vacuum created by the military's intervention and the subsequent decline of more hardline Islamic parties.
5. The events surrounding the 1997 memorandum underscored the complex relationship between Turkey's military and its elected government, highlighting ongoing tensions over secularism and Islamism.

Review Questions

• How did the 1997 military memorandum impact political Islam in Turkey?
  • The 1997 military memorandum significantly impacted political Islam by effectively curbing the influence of the Welfare Party and leading to its disbandment. The military's declaration that it would not tolerate any actions undermining secularism demonstrated its commitment to maintaining control over Turkey's political direction. This intervention paved the way for more moderate Islamic movements like the AKP, who capitalized on the public's desire for change after the military's heavy-handed approach.
• Evaluate how the 1997 military memorandum reflects the broader dynamics between civil authority and military power in Turkey.
  • The 1997 military memorandum illustrates a persistent pattern of military tutelage in Turkey, where the armed forces have positioned themselves as guardians of secularism against perceived threats from political Islam. The intervention reflected deep-seated tensions between civilian authority and military power, as elected leaders struggled to assert their governance amid pressure from a powerful military establishment. This dynamic has shaped Turkey’s political landscape and influenced subsequent elections and party formations.
• Analyze the long-term implications of the 1997 military memorandum on Turkey's political evolution, especially concerning the rise of the AKP.
  • The long-term implications of the 1997 military memorandum on Turkey’s political evolution are profound, as it not only marked a critical juncture for political Islam but also catalyzed changes within Turkish society. The fallout from this memorandum fostered an environment where moderate parties like the AKP could gain traction by advocating for reforms that aligned with both conservative values and democratic principles. This shift ultimately altered Turkey’s trajectory towards a more prominent role for Islamic politics while highlighting ongoing struggles over secularism and governance in contemporary Turkish society.

Related terms

Welfare Party: A political party in Turkey that promoted Islamic values and policies, which became increasingly popular in the 1990s but was ultimately disbanded due to pressure from the military.

AKP (Justice and Development Party): A political party founded in 2001 that emerged from the remnants of the Welfare Party, characterized by a more moderate approach to political Islam and a focus on democratic reforms.

Military tutelage: A term describing the Turkish military's role as a guardian of secularism and democracy, often intervening in politics to maintain its vision of a secular state.