Political Parties and Civil Society Institutions in Turkey

Abstract

Non-formal institutions cannot be separated from the broader political landscape, as they play a significant role in shaping the foundations of formal institutions, which emerge from the ideologies of political parties and civil society institutions. Turkey has a long history of political party formation and a high number of political parties. The establishment of political parties in Turkey dates back to the rule of İsmet İnönü, following his efforts to join the United Nations Charter. Subsequently, Adnan Menderes marked the beginning of a new era of political pluralism after the single-party rule established by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, under the dominance of the Republican People's Party. Over time, numerous parties emerged, including right-wing and left-wing parties advocating for change, as well as Islamic and secular parties striving to uphold the secularist experience.

Keywords: Political parties, Civil society institutions, Democracy.