Kemal’s Legacy, Erdoğan’s Empire

 

TÜRKIYE'S REFORM AND RULE

PHILOSOPHY OF HISTORY

Caliphate to Republic: Evolution of Türkiye

The transformation of Türkiye from a theocratic caliphate to a modern republic remains one of the most profound political upheavals in the Islamic world. This journey, led by the indomitable Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, not only redefined national identity but also served as a bold experiment in secular modernisation. Yet, as we reflect on this monumental shift, a critical gaze must also be cast upon the current state of democracy in Türkiye, especially under the long-standing rule of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP), a successor in power dynamics to Atatürk’s Republican People’s Party (CHP), albeit with ideological divergence.

The Fall of the Ottoman Caliphate and the Rise of Kemalism

By the early 20th century, the Ottoman Empire—the seat of the Islamic Caliphate—was crumbling under the weight of military defeats, nationalist uprisings, and administrative decay. World War I proved to be the final nail, leading to the occupation of Istanbul and the fragmentation of Ottoman territories.

In this vacuum emerged Mustafa Kemal, later honoured with the title "Atatürk" (Father of the Turks). A military officer with a vision beyond warfare, Kemal saw the collapse of the Ottoman order not merely as a defeat but as an opportunity to reconstruct Turkish identity along new, modern lines. He was not just battling imperialists; he was also challenging the very foundations of the old Islamic theocracy.

In 1924, Atatürk formally abolished the Caliphate, an act both revolutionary and symbolic. The Sultanate had already been abolished in 1922, but the end of the Caliphate marked a decisive break from pan-Islamism and theocratic governance. This was not a rejection of religion per se, but of its institutionalised authority over the state.

Birth of a Secular Republic

With the declaration of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, Atatürk embarked on a path of secularisation and modernisation. His ideology, now known as Kemalism, rested on six pillars: republicanism, nationalism, populism, statism, secularism (laicism), and reformism.

Laicism (laiklik), in particular, was central to Atatürk’s vision. Mosques were placed under state control, the Sharia-based legal system was replaced with secular civil codes inspired by European models, and religious education was curtailed. Arabic script was replaced with Latin, Islamic attire was discouraged, and the fez was banned.

These reforms were not without controversy. For many Turks, the rapid Westernisation and perceived alienation from Islamic tradition led to a cultural rift. Yet, Atatürk remained resolute: to survive in the modern world, Türkiye had to become a secular, rational, and sovereign nation-state.

The Republican People’s Party (CHP), founded by Atatürk, became the vehicle of these changes. Though initially a single-party regime, it laid the groundwork for future multiparty democracy and governance structures.

Contemporary Türkiye: The Erdoğan Era

Fast forward nearly a century, and Türkiye stands at another crossroads. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who began his political career with Islamist leanings, has led the country since 2003, first as Prime Minister and later as President. Under his Justice and Development Party (AKP), Türkiye experienced economic growth and regional assertiveness, but also a sharp democratic regression.

Where Atatürk sought to distance religion from the state, Erdoğan has reintroduced religious narratives into public life. The reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque in 2020, increased emphasis on Islamic education, and a resurgence of Ottoman nostalgia signify a deliberate shift in cultural identity. While such policies appeal to a conservative voter base, they risk reversing the secular consensus forged under Kemalism.

Moreover, Erdoğan’s consolidation of power, especially following the failed 2016 coup attempt, has drawn intense criticism. The 2017 constitutional referendum granted sweeping executive powers to the presidency, effectively dismantling the parliamentary system envisioned by the Republic's founders. Critics argue that the judiciary, media, and civil society have been systematically undermined, leading to what many now describe as "electoral authoritarianism."

The CHP, once the torchbearer of republican ideals, struggles to find resonance among younger, more diverse generations, though it has recently seen a resurgence in urban centres. The ideological divide in Türkiye today is not merely between secular and religious, but between democratic pluralism and authoritarian centralism.

A Balanced Legacy

To speak of Türkiye's transformation is to acknowledge both its remarkable modernisation and its democratic vulnerabilities. Atatürk’s vision propelled the country into the 20th century with ambition and resolve. His commitment to education, civic identity, and secular governance remains deeply embedded in Türkiye’s institutions, however contested.

Yet modern Türkiye must grapple with a new challenge: how to preserve the gains of republicanism in the face of populist centralisation. National pride, cultural revival, and economic ambition are valid pursuits, but they must not come at the expense of democratic freedoms and institutional independence.

Conclusion

The story of Türkiye is neither one of linear progress nor outright regression—it is a tapestry woven with ambition, contradiction, and resilience. From the ashes of a fallen empire, Atatürk built a republic that dared to dream of a modern future. Today, that dream faces trials not from foreign powers, but from within.

Respecting Türkiye’s sovereign choices and cultural identity is essential. But so too is the duty to critique when power becomes unchecked, and when the foundational values of the republic are at risk. As Türkiye continues to shape its path in the 21st century, the dialogue between its past and its future remains more vital than ever.

Sources:

(text)

1.  Turkey: A Modern History by Erik J. Zürcher

2. The New Sultan: Erdogan and the Crisis of Modern Turkey by Soner Cagaptay

3. Between Islam and the State: The Politics of Engagement by B. Turam 

(pictures)

PIC-1: Al Majalla

PIC-2: Law & Liberty

PIC-3: Wikipedia

PIC-4: Bloomberg

PIC-5: BBC

PIC-6: ChatGPT Image Creator