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Conservatism in Turkey (Turkish:Muhafazakârlık) is a national variant ofconservatism throughoutTurkey reflected in the agendas of many of the country's political parties, most notably the governingJustice and Development Party (AK Party), which describes its prevailing ideology asconservative democracy.[1] Elements of Turkish conservatism are also reflected in most parties situated on thepolitical right, including theNationalist Movement Party (MHP). In Turkey, it is often referred to asTürk tipi muhafazakârlık (Turkish-style conservatism).[2]
Turkish conservatism is distinct from conservatism in other countries in that it is predominantly at odds with the established state structure, tending to be critical of the founding principles of the Turkish Republic whereas most forms of conservatism elsewhere tend to endorse the principle values of the state. Ideals predominantly at odds with conservatives, such assecularism,statism,populism, and the existence of asocial state are enshrined within theConstitution of Turkey. Turkish conservatism is rivalled mainly byKemalism, based on the ideology of Turkey's founding presidentMustafa Kemal Atatürk, who brought about several social reforms influenced by a progressive pro-western agenda following the collapse of the conservativeOttoman Empire.[3] However, Kemalism has also been described by some as a form ofconservative nationalism as it endorses and safeguards the established traditions of the Turkish state,[4] which also includesIslam as part of the state identity.[5]
Conservatism in Turkey tends to be inspired and strongly influenced bypolitical Islam,[6] with conservative values arising from local orders, Islamictarikats, and village traditions.[7] Turkish conservatism therefore tends to be moresocially conservative,religious, and in favour of strongcentralised leadership, therefore often being characterised as authoritarian by critics.[8] Turkish conservatives also tend to show greater approval to the return of Ottoman culture as opposed to the Western-inspired culture and values originating from the Republic era.[9]
Recent surveys continuously show that conservatism in Turkey enjoys strong political support, predominantly in the central Anatolia region and rural areas where village and local traditions remain strictly enforced. In 2012, only 8.6% of Turks described themselves as entirely non-conservative as opposed to 12.6% in 2006.[10] Research byKadir Has University showed that 39.2% of Turks described themselves as conservative in 2013, falling to 20.7% describing themselves as conservatives in 2015.[11]
