Islam, civil society and democracy in Turkey

This dissertation examines the relationship between FBOs, civil society, and democratization in Turkey through a multi-level analytical framework that combines theoretical inquiry, empirical data analysis, and discourse-based evaluation. While FETÖ is analyzed as a critical case study, the research extends beyond a single organization to assess broader patterns among FBOs operating within Turkey's civil society landscape. The study is grounded in a comprehensive theoretical framework drawing on Gramsci's concept of hegemony, Dahl's notion of polyarchy, Migdal's state–society relations approach, and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), integrating Fairclough's sociocultural model with Van Dijk's socio-cognitive approach. Methodologically, the research employs qualitative document analysis, CDA, and empirical examination of national and international datasets, including governance indicators, civil society indices, and survey-based evidence related to participation, transparency, and accountability in Turkey. The findings indicate that, in general, FBOs in Turkey employ a public-facing discourse that makes reference to democratization, pluralism, and civil society values; however, their organizational practices tend to be characterized by hierarchical structures, limited internal democracy, and governance arrangements that lack transparency.