Liberalism in Turkey

This article gives an overview of liberalism in Turkey. It is limited to liberal parties with substantial support, mainly proved by having had a representation in parliament. The sign ⇒ means a reference to another party in that scheme. For inclusion in this scheme it isn't necessary so that parties labeled themselves as a liberal party.

1 Introduction
2 The timeline
3 Liberal leaders
4 References
5 See also

[edit] Introduction

Though liberalism played a role in the modernization of the Ottoman Empire, Turkey doesn't have a traditional liberal current. Attempts to found liberal or similar parties were most of the time unsuccessful.

[edit] The timeline

[edit] Freedom and Unity Party

1911: As a reaction to dictatorial tendencies, the liberal Freedom and Unity Party (Hürriyet ve İtilaf Fırkası) is founded.
1912: The party is banned.

[edit] Ottoman Liberal People's Party / Freedom Party

1918: Fethi Okyar founded in 1918 the Ottoman Liberal People's Party (Osmanlı Hürriyet-perver Avan Fırkası)
1920: The party disappeared.
1930: In an attempt to allow a legal opposition party, Atatürk allowed Okyar to found the Freedom Party (Hürriyet Fırkası), also rendered as Serbest Cumhuriyet Fırkası (Liberal Republic Party).
1930: When the party seemed to have success and attracts also non-liberal supporters, Atatürk banned the party.

[edit] Freedom Party

1956: A liberal faction of the Democratic Party founded the Freedom Party (Hürriyet Partisi).
1958: The party merged into the Republican People's Party.

[edit] New Turkey Party

1961: A moderate faction of the former Democratic Party established after the ban of the latter party the New Turkey Party (Yeni Türkiye Partisi).
1973: After initial success the party became unsuccessful and is dissolved.

[edit] Liberal Democratic Party

1994: Founded on July 26 as Liberal Party by former (Demokrat Parti) members and Besim Tibuk, first president
1996: The Liberal Party changed its name to Liberal Democratic Party
2002: Besim Tibuk resigns as president on November 25.

[edit] Liberal leaders

Besim Tibuk
Cem Toker

[edit] References

p.m.

[edit] See also

v • d • e

Liberalism in Europe

Albania · Andorra · Armenia² · Austria · Azerbaijan⁴ · Belarus · Belgium · Bosnia and Herzegovina · Bulgaria · Croatia · Cyprus² · Czech Republic · Denmark · Estonia · Finland · France · Georgia⁴ · Germany · Greece · Hungary · Iceland · Ireland · Italy · Kazakhstan¹ · Latvia · Liechtenstein · Lithuania · Luxembourg · Republic of Macedonia · Malta · Moldova · Monaco · Montenegro · Netherlands · Norway · Poland · Portugal · Romania · Russia¹ · San Marino · Serbia · Slovakia · Slovenia · Spain · Sweden · Switzerland · Turkey¹ · Ukraine · United Kingdom

Dependencies, autonomies and other territories
Abkhazia⁴ · Adjara² · Åland · Azores · Akrotiri and Dhekelia · Crimea · Faroe Islands · Gibraltar · Guernsey · Isle of Man · Jersey · Kosovo · Madeira · Nagorno-Karabakh² · Nakhichevan² · Transnistria · Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus^2, 3

¹ Has significant territory in Asia. ² Entirely in West Asia, but considered European for cultural, political and historical reasons. ³ Only recognised by Turkey. ⁴ Partially or entirely in Asia, depending on the definition of the border between Europe and Asia.