Recently it has been debated whether the Turkish experience in democracy can be an example for the predominantly Muslim countries in the Middle East such as Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and Syria that are going through their own struggles for democratization.
This presentation will review the history of democracy in Turkey with an eye toward the roles of ideologies, political leaders, higher judiciary, military, media, business and civil society. It will also review a social movement originated by observant Turkish Muslims that is playing a crucial role in consolidating democracy in the country.
Place: American University Tenley Campus, Dunblane House 101 Washington Semester Middle East and World Affairs Program (for driving directions, use 4100 Yuma Street NW)