Turkey has always been the symbol of Islamic grandeur for being home to Ottoman Caliphate. Though the Ottoman era must, more suitably, be named as a Sultanate instead of Caliphate; it served as the sparkling emblem of Muslim unity for centuries. This relation connects Muslim countries with Turkey in an emotionally religious bond.
However, present scenario of Taksim square is highly disturbing. The riots in country’s capital started as simple peaceful protests, which later resulted in extreme use of Police force by the government.
Background:
It all started when the government decided to abolish Gezi Park and replace it with a shopping mall. Gezi Park is a small green area in the midst of some buildings close to Taksim Square. In the beginning, the peaceful protestors managed to get thousands of signatures on a petition against Gezi Park abolishment. Handing the same over to Mayor of Istanbul guaranteed them preservation of the trees of Gezi Park.
However, the issue rose again after few months. Things went bad when the protestors were controlled by means of teargas and use of force. Ever since, Istanbul is witnessing violence and unrest. Many have faced injuries and eye-loss.
Protestors’ Stance:
The environmentalist faction demand preservation of Gezi Park and its trees. According to them, Gezi Park is one of the very few green patches left in the capital; therefore it must be safeguarded. They are against the construction of a shopping mall in place of the park.
On the other hand, there is another group which is against the policies of AKP; the ruling party. They assert that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is no less than an authoritative dictator, determined to crush his opponents with as much force as he can apply. He disregards the opinion of his rivals and is not ready to hear them out. Also, this group claims that Erdogan’s logistic and moral support to Sunni rebellion in Syria is unacceptable. Turkey is supporting Al-Qaeda against the Shia militant group Hezbollah. This fact further frighten Turks as being friends with Al-Qaeda does not seem wise by any means; this may hit back and that too, pretty hard. According to a recent survey report, 70.8 % Turks disapprove of the government’s policy regarding Syria.
Another group consists of those who are dreadfully against the Erdogan regime because of the Islamist culture of AKP. The government is bent on banning liquor and tobacco, whereas this group is dead against this step. They consider it intrusion in their personal lives, and that the government is totally prohibited from entering into this private area of one’s life. The same survey states that 60.8% of people deem this step as interference in their life style. Also, the results show that liquor is consumed by 34.7% of Turks.
Government’s Stance:
On the contrary, government has some other points to stress upon.
According to Erdogan, these protestors are “arm-in-arm with terrorism”. He has completely denied the possibility of these riots transforming into yet another “Spring.” Rather Erdogan believes that Turkey is already witnessing a spring – referring to the financial and economic growth ever since he took premiership.
Because AKP is Islamist with reference to ideology, they see even another side of the whole state of affairs. The reconstruction on the Gezi Park site included a mosque, too. Some images captured at the protest sites show slogans like,
“No Mosques but Schools”.
Also, protesters can be seen with flags having Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s image printed thereupon. Ataturk was the father of secular and modern Turkey, opposed to the Islamist government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan. These indicators show an obvious unrest among the secular minded populace concerning Erdogan’s Islamism, authoritarianism, and stubbornness.
Alarming Situation:
Turkey’s government in the hands of an Islamic party is indeed a great sign. However, this certainly does not imply that the opponents must be utterly neglected. For running the affairs of State smoothly, it is imperative to open one’s ears to their rivals. Putting his hands on his ears tightly and trying to crush the riots with force will just make things worse for Erdogan. He needs to realize that no matter how disturbing it is for him to tolerate alcohol consumption in the country; he just cannot impose decisions on the people immediately. When Allah prohibited liquor consumption, He did so in three steady steps. Erdogan might want to reconsider his strategies and rules of game.
Islam cannot be impressed upon people with the use of violence and force; rather a steady advancement is required in making it acceptable for people who are under immense European influence.
There is no doubt that Tayyip Erdogan has lifted the country to a whole new level of development and self sufficiency. Nonetheless, it is required of him to be wise about tackling the current crucial status of country’s affairs. It is feared that the riots might worsen if the government fails to handle the matter prudently.
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