Knowledge Bank

When analyzing the policy cornerstones of Turkey’s Justice and Development Party (AKP), a conservative, internationalized, Islamist party, one would assume that its popularity would be strongest in rural Eastern Turkey, where conservative Islamic values are more prevalent and development scores are low. Regional and provincial voting statistics say otherwise, though: AKP support is spread fairly evenly over the country as a while, including the more urbanized provinces of Western Turkey. The purpose of this thesis will be to explore the reasons for this. Several possibilities suggest themselves. First, HDP support in Southeastern Turkey decreases the AKP support in underdeveloped regions. Second, the Anatolian Tiger phenomenon in Central Turkey and the rise of a modern Muslim business class cause high percentages of AKP votes. Third, migration from Eastern to Western Turkey, and migration from rural to urban areas brings conservative Islamic values to urban areas. The AKP reaches out to Gecekondus, pop-up living areas on the edge of cities populated by poorer migrants, and provides goods and help, essentially in exchange for votes. Because Gecekondu residents are stigmatized as ignorant and lazy by the established residents of Western cities, the Gecekondu residents respond by viewing themselves as better, and different, from the city residents. The CHP, a liberal left-wing party, is popular with city dwellers, and because of their support loses the support of the Gecekondu residents. The AKP looks to be a more attractive and representative party. This thesis will analyze Turkish electoral geography across 12 regions, and why certain parties are supported in certain areas.