Erbakan, Necmettin
Definition
Erbakan, Necmettin (b. 1926, d. 2011) was a significant Turkish politician renowned for his pivotal role in the establishment and leadership of various neo-Islamist political movements in Turkey. These movements emphasized a blend of spiritual revival and technical development.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: نجم الدين أربكان
- Turkish: Necmettin Erbakan
Political Career and Ideology
Early Political Engagement
Necmettin Erbakan first entered the political arena when he was elected to the Turkish National Assembly from Konya in 1969. This entry marked the beginning of a career that would significantly influence the trajectory of political Islam in Turkey.
Erbakan founded the Milli Nizam Partisi (MNP) or National Order Party in 1970. This neo-Islamist party called for a spiritual reawakening coupled with an emphasis on technical development programs. Despite its efforts, the party was banned from politics in 1972, seen as a threat to secularist principles.
Formation of Key Parties
Undeterred by the dissolution of the MNP, Erbakan co-founded the Milli Selamet Partisi (MSP), or National Salvation Party, in 1972. The MSP advocated for Islamic principles within a parliamentary democratic framework and played a crucial role in several coalition governments, where Erbakan served as deputy prime minister from 1973 to 1978.
Major Contributions
Necmettin Erbakan’s efforts laid the groundwork for integrating an Islamist political program within the limits of Turkey’s parliamentary democracy. His influence extended considerably, shaping the foundation of both the National Salvation Party (MSP) and later the Refah Partisi (RP), or Welfare Party. The latter saw significant political success in the 1990s.
Influence and Legacy
Erbakan is often credited with articulating and promoting an Islamist political ideology that balanced religious principles with modern technical advancements. His work inspired future generations of politicians and party formations in Turkey and beyond.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- Erbakan: “The Man and His Era” by Bilal Ramadan
- Political Islam in Turkey: “Running West, Heading East?” by Erkan Saka
- Islamist Mobilization in Turkey: “A Study of Vernacular Politics” by Jenny B. White
Takeaways and Conclusion
Necmettin Erbakan was instrumental in the development and institutionalization of Islamist political movements in Turkey. Through the foundation of the National Order Party, National Salvation Party, and the Welfare Party, he envisioned a political landscape where spiritual and technical progress went hand in hand.
Summary
Necmettin Erbakan’s political career significantly impacted the modern political history of Turkey, fostering a unique blend of Islamic revivalism paired with a pragmatic approach to modernization. His legacy continues to influence contemporary Turkish politics and Islamist movements worldwide.
Furthermore, Erbakan remains a key figure for understanding the intersection of religion and modernity in political science. His contributions reflect an enduring debate on the role of Islam in public life and governance.
For a deeper exploration into Necmettin Erbakan’s life, one may refer to the suggested comprehensive literature detailing his philosophy and political influence.
