Islamicist or Democratic? The AKP's Search for Identity in Turkish Politics

It is recognized that the AKP (Justice and Development Party) rejects the label 'Islamist' and defines itself as a 'conservative democratic' party. Although the AKP has implemented several reforms under the EU umbrella, the AKP's moderation does not mean that it will not bring religious issues to the political arena. For the leaders of the AKP politics should, by definition, address popular issues and demands relating to religious life. For example, it aims to raise the issue of the ban on the wearing of headscarves in educational institutions in the political arena as a matter of basic rights, but not as an issue of religion. The AKP has performed well by lifting restrictions imposed on the political development of Turkish society and democracy. Therefore, the AKP might have the opportunity to become the initiating force for normalization of the Turkish regime with EU reinforcement. Consequently, the AKP represents a new stage in the westernization and democratization movement in Turkey.