Westernization in conservative press (1945-1960)

In this study, the views and opinions of conservative mecmuas published between 1945 and 1960 on "modernization" and "Westernization" are discussed. Conservative publications have been sceptical about the tendency to modernize and westernize in Turkey, which has accelerated with the proclamation of the Republic. With a noticeable sensitivity to Turkish culture and Islamic values, these publications were critical of extreme Westernization and conducted an intellectual struggle against it. As a matter of fact, in these publications, Turkish and Islamic traditions were responded to the movements within the scope of Westernization and the values coming from the West. The opinions written by conservative publications have been conveyed taking into account its historical integrity. After the Democratic Party (DP) came to power, conservative publications, especially with the freedom that emerged in Turkish printing life, have raised the criticism of Westernization to the highest level. The idea that the interest in Westernization undermines moral and religious values has been the most important factor determining the conservative press's view of these concepts.