Introduction

On Turkey's elections.

Alp Kayserilioglu joins us to talk about a crucial election. Erdogan’s rule is seriously threatened for the first time, with high inflation biting into living standards. 

Who are the main candidates and do what they propose? Where does AKP draw its support from, and what has sustained its legitimacy? We discuss the supposed supposed culture war between conservative Islamic values and secular liberal ones. And ask how Erdogan has managed the economic crisis of the past few years. 

We conclude with Alp trying to place Erdogan in longer historical context: 2023 marks 100 years of the Turkish Republic. Does Erdogan represent a radical break, or nationalist continuity?

Readings:

• Turkey’s Statequake, Alp Kayserilioglu, Sidecar
• Goodbye Erdoğan?, Alp Kayserilioglu, Sidecar
• Alp's writing at Jacobin