Political Shifts
Which political party won a landslide victory in the 2002 Turkish elections, marking a significant shift in the country's politics?
The AKP (Justice and Development Party)
What symbolic ban was lifted by the AKP?
Women wearing headscarves in public institutions.
What type of schools, which focus on religious education, saw an increase in number under the AKP?
Imam Hatip schools
What change has been observed in the public expressions of Islamic faith under the AKP's rule?
There has been an increase in public expressions, such as more women wearing headscarves and more mosques being constructed.
How has Turkey's foreign policy under the AKP been influenced by Islamic solidarity?
By supporting groups and governments with Islamic orientations in the Middle East.
Who is the leader of the AKP, known for his rise to power starting in 2002?
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
How did changes to the judiciary under the AKP government affect Turkey's secularism?
Critics argue that these changes undermined secularism and increased the influence of religion in the legal system.
How has the national curriculum changed under the AKP with regards to religious content?
There has been an increase in religious content, reflecting a shift towards promoting Islamic values.
How have traditional gender roles been promoted under the AKP's policies?
Through policies that emphasise conservative Islamic values, impacting women's rights and societal norms.
What impact has the AKP's rule had on Turkey's relationship with the European Union?
Relations have been strained due to concerns about the erosion of secularism and democratic norms.
How did the AKP integrate Islamic values into its political platform while maintaining a democratic image?
By promoting policies that reflect conservative Islamic values
What role does the Turkish Constitution play in maintaining the country's secular identity?
It establishes the separation of religion and state, though this has been increasingly challenged under the AKP.
What is the Diyanet, and how has its role changed under the AKP government?
The Diyanet is the Directorate of Religious Affairs, and its budget and influence have increased significantly under the AKP.
What social changes have resulted from the increased influence of Islam in public life under the AKP?
Increased polarisation between secular and religious segments of society and a shift towards more conservative social norms.
How has Turkey's alignment with other Muslim-majority countries under the AKP affected its international standing?
It has strengthened ties with some Muslim-majority countries but strained relations with Western nations.
What significant event in 2016 led to a major crackdown on perceived opponents of the AKP government?
A coup attempt
What impact did the AKP's legal reforms have on the balance of power within Turkey's government?
The reforms centralised power within the executive branch and reduced the independence of the judiciary.
How has the AKP's emphasis on religious education impacted secular education in Turkey?
It has led to a reduction in secular content and increased focus on Islamic teachings.
How have the AKP's policies affected freedom of expression in Turkey?
There has been a crackdown on journalists, academics, and activists who criticize the government, limiting freedom of expression.
How has the AKP's use of Islamic rhetoric in foreign policy influenced Turkey's global image?
It has positioned Turkey as a leader in the Muslim world but has also led to criticism from secular and Western nations regarding its commitment to democratic values.
How has the AKP's rise to power influenced Turkey's secular foundations established by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk?
By implementing policies that increase the role of Islam in public life and governance, challenging the strict secularism of Atatürk's era.
In what ways have constitutional changes under the AKP impacted the democratic process in Turkey?
By consolidating power within the ruling party leading to concerns about authoritarianism.
In what ways has the expansion of religious institutions under the AKP influenced Turkish society?
It has promoted greater public expressions of Islamic faith and shifted societal norms towards more conservative values.
What evidence suggests that the AKP's policies have led to increased conservatism in Turkish society?
Surveys showing a rise in conservative attitudes, increased mosque attendance, and the popularity of religiously conservative media.
What evidence is there that Turkey's strategic alliances have shifted under the AKP?
Increased military cooperation with Russia, the purchase of a missile system, and strained relations with NATO allies.