Philosophy of Kemalism

Summary

This video explores Turkey's pivotal role in global politics due to its geographical position and evolving political landscape. It traces the country's journey from the establishment of the Turkish Republic by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to its modern challenges. The six foundational principles of Kemalism, including republicanism, nationalism, and secularism, are outlined, along with their evolution over time. The rise of political Islam, particularly under leaders like Erdoğan, has created tensions between secular and religious forces. The video also examines the ongoing battle between these ideologies, highlighting Turkey's dynamic political environment.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Turkey's geographical and political position makes it crucial for world stability, acting as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East.
• 🕌 Turkey's shift towards the Islamic faith began after the revolution led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in the early 20th century.
• ⚔️ Atatürk led a nationalist movement, fighting for independence after World War I and forming the Turkish Republic in 1923.
• 💡 Atatürk's political philosophy, Kemalism, was based on six principles: Republicanism, Nationalism, Populism, Statism, Secularism, and Reformism.
• 📜 Kemalism emphasized sovereignty by the people but did not always favor democracy as seen in the West, instead advocating for a strong state.
• 📉 Kemalism's approach to secularism was influenced by French laïcité, controlling religion to limit its public influence.
• 🔄 After Atatürk's death in 1938, debates within the Republican People's Party about the interpretation of Kemalism led to political friction.
• 🕌 In the 1970s, religious movements, particularly those led by Fethullah Gülen and Necmettin Erbakan, gained momentum, increasing Islam's role in Turkish society.
• 🔄 Turkey's politics saw tension between secularism and growing religious influence, with the military intervening to protect Kemalist principles multiple times.
• 📈 In the 21st century, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, influenced by religious movements, gained power with the Justice and Development Party, leading to the rise of 'Erdoğanism,' a rival to Kemalism.

Q & A

What role does Turkey's geographical and political position play in global stability?

Turkey's position, bridging Europe and the Middle East, gives it a crucial role in global stability. Its location makes it strategically important in both regional and international politics.

Who was Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and what was his significance in Turkish history?

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was the leader of the Turkish nationalist movement and the founder of modern Turkey. He led the war of independence after World War I and established the Turkish Republic in 1923, implementing reforms based on secularism, modernism, and nationalism.

What were the six principles of Kemalism?

The six principles of Kemalism are republicanism, nationalism, populism, statism, secularism, and reformism. These principles aimed to modernize Turkey by embracing Western ideas, focusing on self-determination, and promoting state intervention in the economy.

How did Kemalism interpret secularism, and how did it differ from Western models?

Kemalism's secularism, influenced by French laïcité, meant state control over religion rather than separation of religion and state. The government controlled religious institutions like mosques to limit their influence on public life.

What were the economic policies implemented under Kemalism?

Kemalism promoted state involvement in the economy through a principle called statism. The state monopolized industries like shipping and manufacturing, particularly in the 1930s, to drive economic growth.

How did Turkey’s political landscape shift after Ataturk's death in 1938?

After Ataturk's death, there was increasing disagreement within the ruling party over the interpretation of Kemalism. This division, along with Cold War influences, led to the rise of Islamic movements and a weakening of Kemalist secularism.

What was the role of Islam in Turkey’s political development after the 1970s?

Islam gained renewed importance in Turkish politics after the 1970s. Grassroots movements like Fethullah Gulen's and Necmettin Erbakan’s Islamist parties pushed for greater influence of Islamic values in governance, countering secular Kemalist principles.

How did Erdogan's rise to power reflect a shift in Turkey's political ideology?

Erdogan's rise, with his Justice and Development Party (AKP) founded in 2001, marked a shift toward a more Islamic-influenced governance model, known as Erdoganism. This movement modernized Turkey but also challenged the secular legacy of Kemalism.

What are the key differences between Kemalism and Erdoganism?

Kemalism is based on secularism, state control of the economy, and modernization through Western ideals. Erdoganism, on the other hand, integrates Islamic values into governance while also promoting economic growth and modernization.

What challenges has Turkey faced in balancing secularism and religious influence in its political history?

Turkey has experienced ongoing tension between secular and religious forces. The military, as guardians of secularism, intervened multiple times to remove governments with religious leanings, but Islamic movements have grown in influence, especially with Erdogan's rise.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Turkey's Geopolitical Importance and the Rise of Ataturk

Turkey, straddling Europe and the Middle East, holds significant influence in global politics. Its shift toward the Islamic faith began a century ago under the revolutionary leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who founded modern Turkey after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Ataturk led a nationalist movement that fought against foreign occupiers, establishing a new Turkish Republic in 1923. A modernist, Ataturk emphasized science, secularism, and rationality, drawing inspiration from Western ideals. His vision laid the foundation for the transformation of Turkey into a secular and nationalist state.

05:02

📜 Ataturk’s Six Arrows: The Foundation of Kemalism

Kemalism, Ataturk's guiding philosophy, was based on six key principles known as the 'six arrows.' The first was republicanism, where sovereignty belonged to the people, but not necessarily through European-style democracy. Nationalism, the second principle, focused on self-determination and rejected imperialism. Populism, the third arrow, emphasized people's government and national unity. Etartism, the fourth, advocated state control over critical industries, resembling socialist ideas. Secularism, influenced by French laicism, sought state control over religion to limit its public role. The final principle, reformism, allowed Kemalism to adapt to changing times, ensuring its longevity.

10:04

⚖️ Post-Ataturk Challenges and the Rise of Islamic Movements

After Ataturk's death in 1938, the Republican People's Party faced internal disagreements over Kemalism's interpretation, which deepened during the Cold War. The left saw it as a socialist, anti-imperialist movement, while the right used religion as a counterforce to socialism. This ideological divide weakened the party's control, leading to political instability in the 1960s. Islamic movements gained momentum in the 1970s, with figures like Fethullah Gülen and Necmettin Erbakan promoting religious education and governance. Their influence grew, leading to increased state-funded religious institutions and diminishing gender equality.

📈 Erdogan’s Political Rise and the Conflict Between Secularism and Islamism

Erdogan emerged as a powerful political figure, uniting Islamic movements and forming the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in 2001. Under his leadership, Turkey's economy grew significantly, and his party maintained strong political influence. Like Ataturk before him, Erdogan's modernization efforts boosted his popularity, but his focus was on Islamic values rather than secularism. This shift has led to the development of 'Erdoganism,' a political philosophy competing with Kemalism. Erdogan’s rise reflects an ongoing struggle between secular and religious forces in Turkey, shaping its modern political landscape.

Keywords

💡Mustafar Kamal Ataturk

Mustafar Kamal Ataturk was the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey. He is a central figure in the video as he led the Turkish War of Independence and established the Republic of Turkey as a secular state. His leadership and the principles he established, known as Kemalism, are key to understanding Turkey's political and cultural development. The video discusses his role in modernizing Turkey and his influence on the country's political structure.

💡Kemalism

Kemalism is a political ideology based on the principles of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. It is defined by six principles: republicanism, nationalism, populism, statism, secularism, and reformism. The video explains how Kemalism was designed to synthesize Western ideas and shape the new Turkish state. It also discusses how Kemalism's principles were implemented and how they have evolved over time, affecting Turkey's political landscape.

💡Republicanism

Republicanism, as part of Kemalism, is the principle that sovereignty lies with the people, replacing the rule of sultans. The video explains that while this principle established a new form of governance, it did not initially lead to a democracy in the Western sense. Instead, it favored a strong state, which sometimes suppressed opposition to maintain stability.

💡Nationalism

In the context of Kemalism, nationalism refers to the right of nations to self-determination and the rejection of imperial or colonial expansion. The video highlights how this principle was used to unify the Turkish people and establish a new national identity, distinct from religious or ethnic divisions.

💡Populism

Populism within Kemalism is associated with the idea that the government should represent the will of the people. The video discusses how this principle was intended to empower the populace and create a unified national identity, although it also had implications for the suppression of class or religious conflicts.

💡Etatism

Etatism, or statism, is the principle that the state should play a significant role in the economy, especially in areas where private industry is deemed incapable or inefficient. The video describes how this principle led to state investments and monopolies in industries like shipping and manufacturing during the 1930s, contributing to Turkey's economic development.

💡Secularism

Secularism in Kemalism is the principle of state control over religion to prevent it from influencing public life. The video contrasts this with the American understanding of separation of church and state, explaining how Kemalist secularism aimed to keep Islam as a conservative force in check, even while the majority of the population was Muslim.

💡Reformism

Reformism is the final principle of Kemalism, emphasizing the need for political ideologies to adapt to new circumstances. The video suggests that this principle was crucial for the success of Kemalism, allowing for the evolution of Turkey's political system in response to changing global and domestic conditions.

💡Cold War

The Cold War is mentioned in the video as a significant historical context that influenced Turkey's political dynamics. It describes how the ideological struggle between the East and the West during the Cold War affected Turkey's internal politics, particularly the tensions between secular and religious factions.

💡Erdoganism

Erdoganism refers to the political philosophy associated with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who served as the Prime Minister of Turkey and later its President. The video discusses how Erdogan's policies and his approach to governance have challenged Kemalism, offering an alternative vision for Turkey that has resonated with many citizens and led to significant political changes.

💡Justice and Development Party (AKP)

The AKP is a conservative political party in Turkey, founded by Erdogan. The video explains how the party was formed by unifying members of different Islamic movements and how it has played a key role in shaping Turkey's recent political landscape, often advocating for policies that reflect a more religious and socially conservative vision for the country.

Highlights

Turkey's geographical and political position plays a crucial role in global stability, straddling Europe and the Middle East.

Turkey's lean towards the Islamic faith began around a century ago, after the revolution led by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

Ataturk led the Turkish nationalist movement and fought for the creation of a new Turkish Republic after World War I.

Ataturk's vision for Turkey was grounded in modernism, emphasizing science, rationality, and secularism.

Ataturk founded the Republican People’s Party in 1919, which became a pivotal force in Turkey's independence and modern development.

Kemalism, a political philosophy developed by Ataturk, was built on six principles: republicanism, nationalism, populism, etatism, secularism, and reformism.

Kemalism’s version of nationalism stressed self-determination and rejected imperialism or colonialism.

Secularism under Kemalism involved state control over religion, particularly to keep Islam out of the public sphere.

Following Ataturk’s death, internal conflicts within the Republican People’s Party led to differing interpretations of Kemalism, including socialist and right-wing factions.

In the 1970s, Islamic movements like Fethullah Gulen's and Necmettin Erbakan's gained prominence, integrating religious values into governance.

Islam became a stronger force in Turkish politics in the 1980s and 1990s, as the military and secularists continued to oppose religious influence in government.

In the 21st century, Recep Tayyip Erdogan capitalized on a changing geopolitical landscape, including Turkey's stalled EU membership and U.S. military actions in Iraq.

Erdogan unified Islamic movements and founded the Justice and Development Party (AKP) in 2001, which grew rapidly in political power.

Erdogan doubled Turkey’s GDP in his first six years in power and navigated the country through the 2008 financial crisis with relative success.

The ongoing struggle between secular and religious forces continues to shape Turkey's political landscape, with Erdoganism emerging as a rival to Kemalism.

Transcripts

having one foot in europe and one foot

in the middle east

turkey's geographical and political

position in the world

means it has a particularly important

role to play

in the stability of world politics the

country's steady lean towards the

islamic faith

is a story that started roughly a

century ago

when turkey was revolutionized under the

leadership of mustafar kamal

ataturk i'm your host

louis and welcome to caspian report

during world war one when the ottomans

were defeated and the british french

greeks

armenians and the italians occupied the

region

the turkish nationalist movement led by

ataturk

responded with a war of liberation

ataturk literally meaning father of the

turks

was a renowned military commander who

had led his troops defending gallipoli

during the great war his movement fought

for independence and the creation of a

new

turkish republic yet ataturk was a

modernist

who believed in science rationality

and secularism his nationalist movements

had its roots in the young

turks these were exiled students

and army officers who had training and

education in the west

and had also come to believe in ideals

like the scientific method

the enlightenment and the french

revolutionary tradition

that espoused universal rights and

citizenship ataturk founded the

republican people's party

in 1919 and against

all odds he pushed the foreign powers

out

in 1923 turkey

was born but under what

principles was this new state to be

developed

how would ataturk build a modern nation

to address this fundamental question

ataturk and his party designed what came

to be known as

kamalism a philosophy based around a

synthesis of western ideas

this was made up of six arrows

the first principle or arrow

republicanism

firmly established that sovereignty lay

with the people

there would be no more sultans but this

didn't necessarily lead to democracy

in the european or american sense

during the thirties under the shadow of

world war one in the great depression

western-style capitalism appeared to

many

as a failing system while parliamentary

democracy

seemed like a never-ending series of

squabbles

because of this kamalists favored a

strong

state and silenced and repressed many

opponents

and alternative parties which leads to

the second principle

nationalism this had a very different

meaning than it does today

nationalism simply implied that nations

had the right to self-determination

and that no nation has a right to expand

through imperial or colonial endeavors

it also meant that as was written in the

new constitution

the people of turkey regardless of

religion

and race are turks as regards to

citizenship

the third principle was populism again

something that has started to take on a

more nefarious meaning today

but had a more neutral definition at the

time

ataturk said in a speech in 1920 that

i believe the essential reason of our

existence now

has proven the general tendency of our

nation

and it is populism and people's

government

it is the taking over of the government

by the people

complementing the first two principles

then populism meant

that sovereignty lay with the people

within national borders

populism though also implies some kind

of

unity of the people turkish unity

should supersede class or religious

conflict

which led to the fourth principle

etartism

this was a belief in the power of the

state

to get involved in areas of the economy

that

private industry was incapable of or

proved inept at

managing inspired by the soviet union

without being communist

ethicism is ultimately a socialist

principle the fifth principle was

secularism the kamalist interpretation

of secularism had

more in common with french lacism than

the american understanding

lacism didn't mean the separation of

religion and the state

but the control of religion by the state

to keep it out of the public's fear by

for example controlling the somewhat 80

000

mosques in the country even though

muslims made up

97 percent of the total population

this had much in common with etartism

that the state should have control over

the direction of the country

and that islam was a conservative force

that needed to be kept in check like

most political concepts ataturk

recognized that political

interpretations change over time

reformism then would be the sixth arrow

the ability to adjust a political

movement to new circumstances

was critical to the success of all the

previous principles

so understood through these six

principles

new institutions were formed and a new

culture

was created but much of the population

was made up of the peasantry

who could neither read nor make sense of

this new culture

islam was also of course a dominant part

of their lives

for kamalism to be successful then

material and economic

gains would be fundamental the state

invested in

and monopolized many industries like

shipping and manufacturing

during the 1930s with great success

kamalism though has not been without its

critics

following the death of ataturk in 1938

the members of the ruling party

increasingly disagreed on the

interpretation

of the philosophy eventually following

the military coup

of 1960 the fringe factions within the

republican people's party

started turning against each other

left-wing party members started to view

chemism

as an anti-imperial socialist revolution

and like-minded university students and

the masses from the working class

sided with the left meanwhile

right-wing commandists became alarmed by

this socialist attitude

and used religion as a counterbalance as

they found support amongst the rising

middle classes

in anatolia in essence the friction was

a reflection of the cold war

where islam was used as an antidote to

communism

the discord between the left and the

right severely weakened the republican

party's grip over the government

and as a result over the next decade

turkey witnessed an era of radical

politics

it is during this era that new splinter

groups emerged

some of which fused with religious

groups

in the 70s islam regained momentum as an

important component

of the turkish identity two islamic

grassroots movements in particular

made significant gains one was

fetchula gulen's islamic movement

which was a progressive form of sunni

islamic theology that emphasized

education

and science it had a huge following

across the country

the other was nesmetin herbicans

islamist parties

some of which served in a coalition with

the republican people's party

both gulen and urbacan sought to use

state institutions to shape

public opinion in favour of islamic

islamic-based governance

in the following decades there was a

surge in the number of state-funded

religious schools in turkey

in addition religious practices and

customs increased

tolerance of non-practicing muslims

decreased

and gender equality declined in public

life

at the same time the military leadership

came to consider itself the custodians

of turkey's secularist

and kamalist ideology and thus continued

to keep

islamist ideas in check on four

occasions the military leadership ousted

civilian governments that flirted with

religious

ideas and each time the military

returned political power

to the civilian leadership at the turn

of the 21st century

religious influences entered the

political realm as the geopolitical

landscape

changed first european leaders retreated

from the eu's commitment

to accept turkey as a full member state

and second the united states launched a

military campaign in iraq

and reignited sectarian tensions in

turkey

the turkish public felt largely

abandoned

by the events erdogan whose political

career began with herbicans organization

aimed to capitalize on the changing

global and local landscapes

and offer the turkish public an

alternative to secular kamalism

having served as istanbul's mayor from

1994 to 1998

erdogan unified the top members of the

gulan and

erbikan movements and formed the justice

and development party

in 2001. in the ensuing years edowan

strengthened the position of his party

doubled turkey's gdp

in the first six years of government and

largely avoided the effects of the 2008

financial crash

like kamalism roughly a century earlier

rapid modernization has increased the

popularity

of edowan's policies and the

strengthening of his executive powers

in doing so erdogan formulated a new

political concept

named edewanism which was to rival

kamalism

for the heart and soul of turkey

yet if anything can be said of turkey's

turbulent political past

it's that the fight between the secular

and the religious forces in the country

is far from over

i've been your host lewis and if you

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