Abstract:
This article examines the evolution of the idea of the
Turkish model as constructed by academics from the West,
the Muslim world and Turkey during the three consecutive
terms of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) rule in
Turkey. It focuses on the changing political landscape of
Turkey, the Middle East and the world at large during post
9/11 years and the emerging issues and debates around the
idea of this model. Based on a careful selection and
examination of 145 academic articles on the model
published during the extended rule of AKP in Turkey
(2002-14), the study illustrates that the term „Turkish
model‟ has held disparate meanings and generated diverse
debates overtime. The growing political unrest, suppression
and violence in and around Turkey during the third phase of
AKP rule (2012-14) has significantly undermined the idea
which lately held great appeal in the West as well as the
Muslim world.
