liberalism in turkey

This article gives an overview of liberalism in Turkey. It is limited to liberal parties with substantial support, mainly proved by having had a representation in parliament. The sign ⇒ means a reference to another party in that scheme. For inclusion in this scheme it isn't necessary so that parties labeled themselves as a liberal party.

Introduction

Though liberalism played a role in the modernization ot the Ottoman Empire, Turkey doesn't have a traditional liberal current. Attempts to found liberal or similar parties were most of the time unsuccesful.

The timeline

Freedom and Unity Party

1911: As a reaction to dictatorial tendencies, the liberal Freedom and Unity Party (Hrriyet ve İtilaf Fırkası) is founded.
1912: The party is banned.

Ottoman Liberal People's Party / Freedom Party

1918: Fethi Okyar founded in 1918 the Ottoman Liberal People's Party (Osmanlı Hrriyet-perver Avan Fırkası)
1920: The party disappeared.
1930: In an attempt to allow a legal opposition party, Atatrk allowed Okyar to found the Freedom Party (Hrriyet Fırkası), also rendered as Serbest Cumhuriyet Fırkası (Liberal Republic Party).
1930: When the party seemed to have succes and attracts also non-liberal supporters, Atatrk banned the party.

Freedom Party

1956: A liberal faction of the Democratic Party founded the Freedom Party (Hrriyet Partisi).
1958: The party merged into the Republican People's Party.

New Turkey Party

1961: A moderate faction of the former Democratic Party established after the ban of the latter party the New Turkey Party (Yeni Trkiye Partisi).
1973: After initital succes the party became unsuccesful and is dissolved.

Liberal Democratic Party

1994: Founded on July 26 as Liberal Party by former (Demokrat Parti) members and Besim Tibuk, first president
1996: The Liberal Party changed its name to Liberal Democratic Party
2002: Besim Tibuk resigns as president on November 25.

Liberal leaders

Besim Tibuk

References

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