Paradigmatic approaches in turkish policy: The cases of MAZLUMDER and MUSİAD in power-civil society relations

Those who perceived themselves as oppressed and outsider in the established order in Turkey founded the Independent Industrialists? and Businessmen?s Association (MUSIAD) in 1990 and the Organization of Human Rights and Solidarity for Oppressed People MAZLUMDER in 1991 with Islamic references. While MUSIAD implements economic activities with reference to Islamic principles, MAZLUMDER uses an Islamic discourse in its approach to social and political issues. Apparently, both associations are non-governmental organizations working in different fields yet they have found a common ground with their Islamic identities. Despite the fact that the both associations were opposed to the political power, they were cautious to demonstrate their Islamic identity during February 28 process. Yet MUSIAD and MAZLUMDER adopted different approaches to the political power in Justice and Development Party era. Whereas MAZLUMDER maintained its opponent stance towards the political power, Justice and Development Party (JDP), MUSIAD left its opponent approach to the political power. In contrast to MAZLUMDER, MUSIAD pursued to involve in the system by leaving its oppressed and outsider identity and consequently attempted to have closer ties with the JDP. It should also be noted that MUSIAD had tried to get closer relations with Welfare Party. The difference between MUSIAD?s and MAZLUMDER?s stance towards the political power in the same conjuncture provides us opportunity to analyze the dynamic relations between the JDP administration, and Welfare Party (WP) with which the JDP comes from the same politicial origin, and civil society properly. Key Words: Justice and Development Party, Welfare Party, The Independent Industrialists? and Businessmen?s Association (MUSIAD), The Organization of Human Rights and Solidarity for Oppressed People (MAZLUMDER)