Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book traces the chequered history of democracy in Turkey, and highlights the uneven nature of democratisation characterised by swings and variations. It examines the social, political, and cultural battles over secularism in Turkey, how the Adalet ve Kalkinma Partisihas been seen to challenge the founding concept of the Turkish Republic and what lessons the Turkish case has for wider understandings and debates around secularism. The book demonstrates how Turkish nationalism has multiple and varied reference sources that have altered according to changing political and social landscapes. It shows how the roles of ethnicity and secularism in shaping Turkish nationalism have changed since the founding of the Republic, while religion continues to be to be an influential referent. The book argues how, as pressure on mainstream media increases, online journalism and social media platforms have become an alternative outlet for journalism.