Secularism and Muslim Democracy in Turkey (Cambridge Middle East Studies) [Paperback]

M. Hakan Yavuz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2, 2009 | ISBN-10: 0521717329 | ISBN-13: 978-0521717328 | Edition: 1

In 2002 the Islamist Justice and Development Party (AKP) swept to power in Turkey. Since then it has shied away from a hard-line ideological stance in favour of a more conservative and democratic approach. M. Hakan Yavuz negotiates this ambivalence asking whether it is possible for a political party with a deeply religious ideology to liberalise and entertain democracy or whether, as he contends, radical religious groups moderate their practices and ideologies when forced to negotiate a competitive and rule-based political system. The author explores the thesis through an analysis of the rise and evolution of the AKP and its more recent 2007 election victory. The book, which tackles a number of important issues including political participation, economics and internal security, provides a masterful survey of modern Turkish and Islamic politics, which will be of interest to a broad range of readers from students to professionals and policymakers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This book is an important contribution to the debate over whether 'Islamist' movements can democratise, join in mainstream politics and govern Muslim states.' Middle East International

Book Description

The Islamist Justice and Development Party swept to power in Turkey in 2002. Since then it has shied away from a hard-line ideological stance in favour of a more conservative and democratic approach. Is it possible for a political party with deeply religious ideology to liberalise and entertain democracy?

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (March 2, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521717329
• ISBN-13: 978-0521717328
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #905,969 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on AKP, March 15, 2011

By 

Ali El Husseini - See all my reviews

This review is from: Secularism and Muslim Democracy in Turkey (Cambridge Middle East Studies) (Paperback)

This book explains the social and economic origins of the recent political transformation of turkish politics (from Kemalism to civil/democratic society). The Author argues that neoliberal economic and political openings helped to create Protestant Islam which is friendly towards democracy and market economy. Anyone who want to know when and under what conditions liberal islam is likely to emerge must read this book. His analyses about the evolution of a new political language is very clear and comprehensive. If you want to know what is going on Turkey you need to read this book.

1.0 out of 5 stars utter rubbish, October 9, 2011

By 

my winary - See all my reviews

This review is from: Secularism and Muslim Democracy in Turkey (Cambridge Middle East Studies) (Paperback)

utter rubbish and waste of time; not conducted rigorously, slapdash, sometimes misleading; I would recommend to those who would like to learn how not to write a scholarly book.

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive and Insightful., May 7, 2009

By 

Sharon Rettenberg - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Secularism and Muslim Democracy in Turkey (Cambridge Middle East Studies) (Paperback)

Despite the emotions its subject matter raises in Turkey, its Turkish author remains fair and objective towards all sides, or perhaps I should say equally critical of all sides. His judgments are acute, and his coverage comprehensive. An illuminating read.