Adil Düzen

Adil Düzen, meaning ‘just order’ in Turkish, was a central program of Turkey’s Welfare Party focused on social and economic justice.

Adil Düzen

Adil Düzen (Arabic: العدل الظهير, Turkish: Adil Düzen) is a central program put forth by Turkey’s Welfare Party (Refah Partisi) to promote a secure social and economic environment founded on Islamic principles. The term Adil Düzen translates as “just order” reflecting its commitment to justice in societal and economic affairs.

Etymology

  • Adil: Derived from the Arabic word العدل (al-‘adl), meaning “justice” or “fair”.
  • Düzen: A Turkish term meaning “order” or “system”.

Key Components

  1. Social and Economic Environment: The Adil Düzen program aims to establish a stable societal and economic setting whereby all citizens can thrive without undue stress.

  2. Protection of State Property: Emphasizes the safe-keeping and rightful utilization of assets owned by the state, minimizing wastage, and curbing exploitation of resources.

  3. Anti-Corruption Measures: Strives to eradicate nepotism and corruption by implementing transparent governance practices.

  4. State-Society Cooperation: Encourages collaboration between the government and society to address issues like poverty effectively.

  5. Resistance to Western Influence: Positions itself against what it perceives as undue Western influence over Turkish politics and culture, promoting Turkish and Islamic values instead.

Historical Context

The Welfare Party (Refah Partisi) introduced these principles as part of its broader political agenda. Under the leadership of Necmettin Erbakan, the party sought to integrate more Islamic perspectives into Turkish politics. However, the Welfare Party faced legal challenges and was eventually banned in 1998.

Books for Further Study

  1. “The Welfare Party in Turkey” by Ali Carkoglu and Barry Rubin
  2. “Political Islam in Turkey: Running West, Heading East?” edited by Zeyno Baran
  3. “Redefining Turkish Identity and Politics: The People’s Party of Turkey, the Orchestrator Between Islam and Secularism” by Elisabeth Özdalga

Takeaways

  • Adil Düzen is rooted in Islamic values advocating for justice and equity.
  • The program highlights crucial issues like corruption and external influence while promoting local governance and societal cooperation.
  • Understanding Adil Düzen is vital for grasping the ideological foundation of Turkey’s Welfare Party and its impact on Turkish politics.

Conclusion

Adil Düzen remains a significant reference point for discussions on political Islam, justice, and governance in Turkey. Although the Welfare Party was dissolved, the principles of Adil Düzen continue to resonate in debates on Turkish social and economic policy, highlighting the enduring interplay between Islam and state governance.


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