Introduction
Necmettin Erbakan is widely recognized as the father of political Islam in Turkey. As a visionary leader, academic, and politician, he played a pivotal role in shaping Turkey’s modern political landscape. Erbakan was not only a skilled engineer but also a strong advocate for blending Islamic values with governance, challenging the rigidly secular framework established by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. His political journey, marked by resilience and ideological clarity, continues to influence Turkish politics and the rise of conservative parties in the country.
Early Life and Education
Necmettin Erbakan was born on October 29, 1926, in Sinop, Turkey. He grew up in a family that valued both education and traditional Islamic values. Erbakan demonstrated academic brilliance early on and pursued mechanical engineering at Istanbul Technical University, graduating at the top of his class. He later earned a Ph.D. in engineering from RWTH Aachen University in Germany, where he specialized in diesel engines. His academic success established him as a respected scholar and engineer before he entered politics.
Entry into Politics
Erbakan’s political career began in the late 1960s, a time when Turkey was undergoing rapid modernization and Westernization. He was deeply concerned about the loss of Islamic identity in Turkish society and the growing influence of Western ideologies. In 1970, he founded the National Order Party (Milli Nizam Partisi – MNP), which marked the birth of political Islam as an organized movement in Turkey.
Although the party was banned in 1971 following a military memorandum, Erbakan remained committed to his vision. He later founded the National Salvation Party (Milli Selamet Partisi – MSP), which became an influential voice in Turkish politics throughout the 1970s.
Rise to Power and Leadership
Erbakan’s most significant political achievement came in the 1990s when he founded the Welfare Party (Refah Partisi – RP). Under his leadership, the Welfare Party grew rapidly, attracting support from conservative, religious, and working-class citizens who felt neglected by secular elites.
In the 1995 general elections, the Welfare Party emerged as the largest party in parliament. Consequently, Erbakan became the Prime Minister of Turkey in 1996, making him the first Islamist leader to hold the position in the country’s history.
As Prime Minister, Erbakan advocated for closer relations with Muslim-majority countries, introducing the idea of a “D-8” (Developing Eight Nations) economic group to strengthen cooperation among Islamic states. He also sought to reduce Turkey’s dependence on the West while promoting Islamic cultural identity.
Challenges and the “Postmodern Coup”
Erbakan’s time as Prime Minister was short-lived due to strong opposition from secular institutions, particularly the military. His policies promoting Islamic values in education, society, and governance alarmed the secular establishment.
In 1997, the military issued a series of demands—known as the “February 28 Process” or “postmodern coup”—pressuring Erbakan to resign. His Welfare Party was later banned, and he was barred from politics for several years.
Despite this setback, Erbakan’s ideas had already reshaped Turkish politics, paving the way for future leaders.
Legacy and Influence
Necmettin Erbakan’s legacy lies in his role as a pioneer of political Islam in Turkey. While his direct tenure as Prime Minister was brief, his movement inspired a new generation of politicians, including Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Abdullah Gül, who later founded the Justice and Development Party (AKP).
Although Erdoğan’s AKP adopted a more moderate approach compared to Erbakan’s strict Islamist policies, the ideological roots can be traced back to Erbakan’s vision. He demonstrated that political Islam could mobilize mass support and challenge the dominance of secular elites in Turkey.
Death and Recognition
Necmettin Erbakan passed away on February 27, 2011, at the age of 84. His funeral was attended by thousands, including high-ranking officials and political figures, reflecting the respect he commanded across society. Today, he is remembered as a symbol of Islamic resistance to secular dominance and a leader who gave Turkey’s religious population a political voice.
Conclusion
Necmettin Erbakan remains one of the most influential figures in Turkish political history. His efforts to merge Islamic principles with modern governance redefined the country’s political discourse. Although his government faced resistance and eventual dismissal, his movement laid the groundwork for the rise of conservative and Islamist politics in Turkey.
Rightly called the “Father of Political Islam in Turkey”, Erbakan’s vision continues to resonate in Turkish society, shaping debates about secularism, religion, and democracy in the modern era.
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