Turkish model

The “Turkish model” refers to the focus on Republic of Turkey as "an example of a modern, moderate Muslim state that works."[1] Turkey has been seen as combining a secular state and constitution, with a government run by a political party or political parties (Justice and Development Party, AKP) with "roots in political Islam". The AKP, led by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has ruled Turkey with a large majority in parliament since 2002. During this time Turkey has had good relations with the West, but also cordial ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran and a more pro-Palestinian policy.[2] It has had vigorously contested, "substantially free and fair" elections, a vibrant culture,[3] and has undergone an economic boom, developing a "large and growing middle class."[1] However, as of summer 2013 and the crushing of the Taksim Gezi Park protests, some commentators complained that the model has come "unstuck".[4]

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference NPR was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ The Turkish model. A hard act to follow economist.com| 6 August 2011
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference aljazeera was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ de Bellaigue, Christopher (December 19, 2013). "Turkey: 'Surreal, Menacing...Pompous'". New York Review of Books. Retrieved 12 December 2013.