From Polarization to Unification, Turkish Politics and the Left View Accused of Hanging the Menderes

Throughout Turkey's history, there has been a hostile environment for leftists. A 2021 study found that two-thirds of people describe themselves as conservative, nationalist or Islamist, while only 13% describe themselves as social democrats or socialists. In general, masses of people supported populist conservatives who, while in power, served the economic interests of the elite, while during the election campaign they appealed to their own religious sentiments and resentment towards the elite. This happened despite populist conservatives serving the economic interests of the elite. Conservatives in Turkey have succeeded in branding the CHP as the party of an authoritarian state, despite having held control of the country's government for most of the country's history for the past century. Above all, the legacy of secularism embraced by the CHP has contributed to widening the gap between the party's middle class, progressive base and the ordinary masses. Meanwhile, some rightists have functioned as staunch defenders of traditional values. Erdogan pulled Turkey out of the Istanbul Convention a year ago, citing concerns that the convention undermines the concept of 'family values' and promotes the rights of individuals. As one might guess from a progressive, Kılıçdaroğlu swore that he would re-sign Turkey to the contract if he became Turkey's president the following year. However, the head of the CHP is not in isolation. The support of Meral Akşener, the leader of the right-wing nationalist IYI Party, the second largest party in the coalition being the moderate opposition, shows that the traditionalist attitude has developed in Turkey. From Atatürk to the creation of innovative ideas The Republican People's Party (CHP) was founded in 1923, the year the Republic of Turkey was founded. Kemal Ataturk, who founded the Republic of Turkey and served as the country's first president, was the driving force behind sweeping cultural reforms that significantly reduced the public appearance and influence of Islam. Initially, the CHP was a private partnership of modernization officials and wealthy landowners.