Description
Book SynopsisThere is a large and growing literature on Turkish politics in general, and the AKP in particular. However, local government and party organization, although very important topics, are strikingly understudied.
This book compares local politics in two Central Anatolian cities, Konya and EskiÅŸehir, ruled by different governmental parties, the AKP in Konya and the CHP in EskiÅŸehir. It analyzes how national political parties adapt to local contexts (âculture of everyday politicsâ) and how they seek to influence local culture (âpolitics of everyday cultureâ). By examining how municipal politics is practiced on a daily basis, it illuminates more fundamental aspects of Turkish politics such as political mobilization, establishing links between voters and politicians, various practices of decision-making and the role of civil society. All of this has been critical for the AKPâs continuous electoral success since 2002. The findings are based on over 1.5 years of fieldwork in
Table of Contents
Introduction 1. Konya and Eskisehir: A Political History of Two Cities 2. Becoming a Mayor in Turkey 3. Municipalism between Local and National 4. ‘Doing’ Everyday Municipalism 5. Relations of Benefit - Service, Welfare and Patronage 6. Planning the Urban(s) 7. Cultural Policy, Shaping Locality Conclusion
