The social basis of political İslam, identity politics and conservative democracy in Turkey: assessmen of AKP Government and its identity politics

Identity is one of the significant concepts that has been frequently discussed since the last quarter of twentieth century. The visibility of identity has increased in the political sphere rather than other areas which in turn lead to the emergence of "identity politics". Thus, an identity-based political approach replaced a class-based political approach. Identity politics in Turkey began to be conceived as a serious issue in the 1980s. From then on, sphere of political debate has been limited to the topic of "Islamist Identity Politics" emerging in a religious context. The emphasis of identity politics on the "difference" ensured its continuity. Thus, identity politics begun to undermine social and political integration. Although the religious identity politics that originated in Ottoman Empire and was carried on by National Vision Movement had been interrupted by February 28 period (1997), it has reached a new dimension with the rate of votes AKP gained in 2002. AKP declared itself as "conservative democrat", avoided using the religious symbolism openly and crudely and emphasized its democratic role. This study aims to discuss the social basis concerning the issues of identity politics and Political Islam which gained significance in the post-1980 Turkey. The study also claims to expose the rise of Political Islam against the contrary notions that Political Islam has indeed gradually diminished. Regarding this matter, the position of AKP in political arena, which differentiates itself from other Islamist parties by defining itself as "conservative democrat" since 2002; how it is perceived and interpreted by the electorate and the present situation will be attempted to be analyzed. KEY WORDS: Political Islam, identity politics, conservative democracy, difference, AKP