Description
Book SynopsisBeginning with Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, "Political Leaders and Democracy in Turkey" analyzes the origins, political careers, beliefs and policies of 11 of modern-day Turkey's most influential leaders.
Trade ReviewThis volume is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of Turkey's democratic experiences. -- Birol Yesilada, Portland State University
A rich compendium of insights—penetrating and often provocative—into the worldviews, leadership styles, and governing philosophies of the people who have dominated Turkey's unsteady experiment in democracy. The leader-by-leader analysis is an excellent approach for understanding a democratic political culture in which personalities have usually overshadowed parties and institutions. -- Alan Makovsky, Washington Institute for Near East Policy
This study is highly recommended not only for the English students of Turkish politics and democracy but also for the Turkish reader as she can enjoy several fascinating stories about prominent Turkish political leaders. * H-Net: Humanities and Social Science Reviews Online *
This edited book is the first of its kind. * Middle East Journal *
...the book serves as a major contribution to the understanding of the historical as well as the current agents of Turkey's democracy. * CHOICE *
This is a truly unique work. I know of no other work in any language that treats this subject. -- Joseph Szyliowicz, University of Denver
Heper and Sayan, two leadings scholars of Turkey, offer a high-quality and ambitious study that presents modern Turkish political history via the country's chief executives. * Middle Eastern Quarterly *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Atatürk: Founding Father, Realist, and Visionary Chapter 3 Ismet Inönü: Rationalist Democrat Chapter 4 Celal Bayar: Conspiratorial Democrat Chapter 5 Adnan Menderes: Between Democratic and Authoritarian Populism Chapter 6 Süleyman Demirel: National Will and Beyond Chapter 7 Bülent Ecevit: From Idealist to Pragmatist Chapter 8 Necmettin Erbakan: Islamist, Demagogue, and Martyr Chapter 9 Alparslan Türkes: From Ultra-Nationalist to Democrat Chapter 10 Turgut Özal: Pious Agent of Liberal Transformation Chapter 11 Mesut Yilmaz: From Özal's Shadow to Mediator Chapter 12 Tansu Ciller: Lusting for Power and Undermining Democracy Chapter 13 Conclusion
