The analysis of far right journals on CHP in Turkey: 1971-1980

This thesis focuses on the criticisms towards CHP, by Devlet Magazine and Millî Gazete, which were the main publications of far right parties MHP and MSP respectively, in the 1970s in Turkey. Growing quarrels between left and right wings during the said period led to a great ideological polarization by involving young people. In the 1970's, right and left supporters have constantly argued in politics, in the streets, on platforms such as magazines and newspapers. Against the critiques by left wing on economic inequalities among citizens and also the demand for evolution in many areas of life, the right part have emphasized to maintain the status quo and to protect national and traditional values. Especially from 1972 with Bülent Ecevit's leadership, CHP has been transformed from a social democrat, center-left party into a leftist party having linkage to communism, according to right wing. First rank of CHP in elections and following political advances in favour of Ecevit disturbed the right defenders and made them feel that the communism was coming up to country. Important members and intellectuals of right-wing parties published their criticisms towards the declining situation of Turkey, anarchy and CHP in various magazines and newspapers and by expressing their concerns on said issues. Accordingly, in this thesis, it is emphasized that MHP accused CHP of being a communist party in the 1970s and described CHP as the main responsible for the anarchy on the streets, and these critiques were supported with quotes from Devlet Journal, the main publication of MHP. On the other hand, MSP reacted similarly by interpreting CHP as a left-wing party rather than a communist party, however did not act as harshly as MHP did according to Millî Gazete, MSP's main official newspaper. Moreover in this thesis, it is also pointed out that MSP did not neglect protecting its political interests by acting in accordance with the coalition governments formed in the 1970s. Keywords: Far Right, Nationalism, Islamism, Devlet Magazine, Millî Gazete, CHP, Leftism.