Virtue Party (Fazilet Partisi)
Overview
The Virtue Party (Fazilet Partisi) was a short-lived Turkish political party founded in 1998. It succeeded the Welfare Party (Refah Partisi) and aimed to present a “softer” Islamic profile compared to its predecessor. Despite its relatively brief existence, the Virtue Party became a significant opposition force in Turkish politics until its dissolution in 2001.
Etymology and Translations
- Etymology: The party’s name in Turkish, “Fazilet Partisi,” translates to “Virtue Party” in English, where Fazilet means “virtue” and Partisi means “party.”
- Arabic: حزب الفضيلة (Ḥizb al-Fadīla)
- Turkish: Fazilet Partisi
Historical Context and Political Agenda
Founded by Recai Kutan in 1998 following the closure of the Welfare Party by Turkey’s Constitutional Court, the Virtue Party aimed to offer a more moderate and inclusive image. It placed significant emphasis on Turkey’s Islamic traditions and culture while advocating for democratic and civilian rule within the framework of the modern Turkish state.
Key Features
- Leadership: Led by Recai Kutan, an influential political figure with a background in Islamist politics.
- Inclusivity: The party’s constitution symbolized inclusivity by involving three non-Islamist, non-hijab-wearing women in its executive board.
- Integration with the West: Unlike its predecessor, it favored full integration with the West, emphasizing democracy and civilian governance.
- Election Success: The party had laudable success in social services and performed well in the 1998 municipal elections. It came third in the 1999 parliamentary elections, demonstrating significant public support.
Controversies and Banning
The Virtue Party faced significant legal and social controversies during its time. A notable incident was in 1999 when Merve Kavakci, a newly elected female deputy, was forced to leave the parliamentary swearing-in session because she wore a headscarf, aggravating Turkey’s secular debates.
In 2001, the Virtue Party was accused of being an illegal Islamic organization, resulting in its ban by the Constitutional Court. This made it the sixteenth party to be outlawed in Turkey since 1983.
Books for Further Studies
For those interested in a deeper exploration of the Virtue Party and its historical context, the following books provide comprehensive insights:
- “The Rise of Political Islam in Turkey” by Angel Rabasa and F. Stephen Larrabee.
- “Rethinking Islamic Politics: A Critical History of Islamic Values” by Asim Balci.
- “Secularism and State Policies Toward Religion: The United States, France, and Turkey” by Ahmet T. Kuru.
- “The Politics of Turkish Democracy: Ismet Inonu and the Formation of the Multi‐Party System, 1938–1950” by John M. VanderLippe.
Conclusion
The Virtue Party represents a significant yet short-lived chapter in Turkish political history, marked by its moderate change in Islamist appearance and its attempts to integrate Islamic values with Turkey’s democratic aspirations and Western alignment. Its emergence, challenges, and eventual dissolution reflect the dynamic and often turbulent nature of religious politics within a secular state like Turkey.
