The Turkey Analyst

Vol. 1 no. 7, 21 May 2008

ANALYSIS

Redefining Secularism? AKP Challenges Turks' Modern Religiosity
Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) rejects the accusation of being anti-secular, instead advancing its own interpretation of secularism. Opinion polls, however, indicate that the AKP’s views are representative of but a minority of the Turkish population. A clear majority appears to believe that secularism is in fact endangered, and there is only minority support for the kind of redefinition of secularism that is sought after by the moderate Islamists.



NEWS DIGEST: THE FORTNIGHT IN REVIEW

I. What the Columnists Say
Turkish newspapers are bought as much for the writings of their columnists as for news. The writings of leading columnists are therefore an important indication of developments and moods in Turkey.

II. Domestic Politics
Summary: News centered on the AKP's strategies in dealing with the closure case, including rumors of a new party already being planned to succeed the AKP. A row over whether the PKK is a positive or negative force also rocked the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party. Click here for full digest.

III. Foreign Relations
Summary: Western and in particular American officials’ statements regarding Turkish domestic politics received wide coverage, including attempts to draw conclusions on stances toward the AKP. The Iran and Cyprus issues also figured prominently. Click here for full digest.

The Turkey Analyst
The Turkey Analyst is a publication of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute & Silk Road Studies Joint Center, designed to bring authoritative analysis and news on the rapidly developing domestic and foreign policy issues in Turkey. It is published weekly, and includes a topical analysis, as well as translations and summaries of selected Turkish news reports. It is edited and compiled under the supervision of Svante E. Cornell, Halil M. Karaveli, and M. K. Kaya.

The Turkey Analyst occasionally publishes guest analyses, which are normally solicited. Submissions are nevertheless welcome.


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The Joint Center
The Joint Center, created in 2005, is the product of the merger of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute, at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies, and the Silk Road Studies Program, at the Stockholm-based Institute for Security and Development Policy.

The Turkey Initiative
The Joint Center launched a Turkey Initiative in 2006 in order to improve understand of Turkish domestic and foreign affairs in Europe and the United States.

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