Necmettin Erbakan, Turkish engineer and politician, 32nd Prime Minister of Turkey (b. 1926)

Necmettin Erbakan, a towering figure in modern Turkish politics, was a remarkable individual who combined the rigorous mind of an engineer and academic with the passionate conviction of a politician. Born on October 29, 1926, his journey would lead him to the highest office in Turkey, serving as Prime Minister from 1996 to 1997. Yet, his tenure, and indeed his entire political career, was marked by the enduring tension between his vision for a more Islamic-oriented Turkey and the nation's deeply entrenched secular principles.

Erbakan's time as Prime Minister was brief but impactful. He took the helm of government during a period of complex political dynamics, but his leadership was ultimately cut short. Under significant pressure from the powerful Turkish military, which has historically viewed itself as the guardian of the country's secular constitution, Erbakan was compelled to step down. This intervention wasn't the end of his political woes; he was subsequently banned from politics by the Constitutional Court of Turkey. The court's ruling cited his alleged violation of the strict separation of religion and state, a cornerstone of the Turkish constitutional framework.

The Core of His Ideology: Millî Görüş

At the heart of Necmettin Erbakan's political philosophy was an ideology and movement he founded known as Millî Görüş (National View). This doctrine advocated for a significant strengthening of Islamic values within Turkey, seeking a departure from what Erbakan perceived as the negative and pervasive secular influence of the Western world. Instead, Millî Görüş championed closer relations with Muslim countries, envisioning a Turkey that embraced its Islamic heritage more fully on both domestic and international fronts.

This vision, while resonating deeply with a segment of the Turkish population, inherently conflicted with the core principle of secularism (Laicism) that had been institutionalized since the founding of the modern Turkish Republic by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The clash between Erbakan's Islamic-centric political views and the staunchly secular foundation of the state ultimately culminated in his removal from office and subsequent political ban.

A Legacy of Political Parties

Throughout his extensive career, which spanned from the 1960s well into the 2010s, Erbakan was the driving force behind several prominent Islamic political parties, all founded on the principles of the Millî Görüş ideology. His leadership was foundational to these movements, shaping their platforms and guiding their political trajectories. These parties included:

• National Order Party (MNP): Established in 1970, it was the first party founded by Erbakan.
• National Salvation Party (MSP): Formed in 1972 after the MNP was banned, it saw significant electoral success.
• Welfare Party (RP): Launched in 1983, it eventually became the largest party in the Turkish parliament, leading to Erbakan's premiership.
• Virtue Party (FP): Founded in 1997, it emerged after the Welfare Party's closure.
• Felicity Party (SP): Established in 2001, it continued to represent the Millî Görüş movement in the political arena.

Erbakan's steadfast commitment to his ideology and his ability to consistently establish new political vehicles after previous ones were banned underscored his resilience and the enduring appeal of Millî Görüş in Turkish society. He passed away on February 27, 2011, leaving behind a complex and indelible mark on Turkey's political landscape, forever associated with the struggle to reconcile religious identity with secular governance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Necmettin Erbakan

Who was Necmettin Erbakan?

Necmettin Erbakan was a prominent Turkish politician, engineer, and academic who served as the Prime Minister of Turkey from 1996 to 1997. He was also the founder of the Millî Görüş political movement and several Islamic-oriented political parties.

What was Millî Görüş?

Millî Görüş, meaning "National View," was the political ideology and movement founded by Erbakan. It advocated for strengthening Islamic values in Turkey, fostering closer ties with Muslim countries, and reducing what Erbakan saw as negative Western secular influence.

Why was he removed from office as Prime Minister?

Erbakan was pressured by the Turkish military to step down as Prime Minister in 1997. He was later banned from politics by the Constitutional Court of Turkey for violating the principle of secularism, as mandated by the constitution.

Which political parties did Erbakan lead?

Erbakan founded and led several significant Islamic political parties in Turkey, including the National Order Party (MNP), the National Salvation Party (MSP), the Welfare Party (RP), the Virtue Party (FP), and the Felicity Party (SP).

What was the main conflict in his political career?

The central conflict throughout Erbakan's political career was the tension between his Millî Görüş ideology, which sought to strengthen Islamic values, and Turkey's core principle of secularism. This ideological clash often put him at odds with the state institutions, particularly the military and the judiciary.