Quote:
Originally Posted by Lev
Turkey is Islamic and is becoming less and less secular. Hardcore nationalists are gaining ground, look at the penal code 301, which jails people who insult Turkey
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You seem to be implying that islamism and nationalism in Turkey are somehow linked.
In fact, however, modern-day Turkey was founded upon a combination of nationalism and secularism. The military, which has long held an exceedingly important political position in Turkey, has always tried to defend these two things - often by questionable means. Only recently, Turkey has become more democratic, which has ironically increased the power of Turkish Islamists. Many Turkish nationalists, including the military, still vehemently oppose the Islamisation of the state. And make no mistake about it - the Turkish nationalist/secular faction is quite radical in its rejection of Islamism. For example, to this day, women are banned from wearing headscarves as a symbol of Islam in public office and in universities.
Just recently, the Dutch Queen visited Turkey, and extended an invitation for a concert to the (secular/nationalist) Turkish president. He declined, most likely because there would be women wearing headscarves attending the event as well - like the (islamist) prime minister's wife.
The two movements which you seemed to link together are in fact strongly opposed to eachother
