Alevis and political parties in Turkey: An analysis through the press

Abstract

This paper evaluates to what extent the governing party in Turkey, Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi (Justice and Development Party, JDP) from the center-right, and the main opposition party, Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi (Republican People’s Party, RPP), from the center-left, answer Alevis’ demands, through a news search of two ideologically different dailies. These dailies are Yeni Şafak (New Dawn), close to the JDP and Cumhuriyet (The Republic), close to the RPP. The paper focuses on the period of January 1, 2010–December 31, 2012. This time period has been focused on with the intention of evaluating the results of the so-called “Alevi opening” of the JDP. The paper takes into consideration not only the press but also a comparison of the party programs and election manifestos. Broadly speaking, Yeni Şafak supports the JDP and its approach towards Alevis, whereas Cumhuriyet supports the RPP and its approach towards Alevis. The dailies, not surprisingly, seem to filter the news according to their own ideology. The results of the research reveal that the conservative-democratic JDP perceives Alevism under the Islamic umbrella and does not embrace Alevis according to the Alevis’ expectations. The social-democratic RPP accepts the differences of Alevism and believes the Alevis’ dilemma can be resolved. Since the RPP is not in power, its ability to take genuine action on behalf of Alevis remains an open question.