TURKEY BETWEEN SECULARISM AND FUNDAMENTALISM?: THE “MUSLIMHOOD MODEL” AND THE GREEK ORTHODOX MINORITY

Abstract

Abstract Kemalism—the secular nationalist ideology developed by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk—is challenged by a “Muslimhood model” that effectively allows religious groups to operate in Turkey free of persecution. The treatment of Greek Orthodox Christians provides an example of the failure of secularist nationalism. It also shows that the Muslimhood model has yet to live up to its promise. As Turkey and the EU work to achieve their particular goals in the enlargement process, Turkey must hold itself to its international treaty obligations and EU expectations. If successful in these aims, the Muslimhood model will become a viable alternative for other Muslim societies struggling to develop pluralistic, democratic regimes.