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Abstract

  • This article discusses the connection between religious populism, state control, and digital authoritarianism in Turkey.

  • Focuses on the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its tactics to dominate digital media.

  • Combines religious justification with political policies to regulate cyberspace.

  • Investigates the AKP’s control over information and media narratives, highlighting coercive tactics against dissenters.

Keywords

  • Digital Authoritarianism, Religious Populism, Media Control, Islamism, Digital Governance, Cyberspace, Fatwas, Sermons.

Page 1: Introduction to the Article

  • Free access under Creative Commons Attribution license.

  • Published by European Centre for Populism Studies (ECPS).

  • Article explores AKP's religious populism and media control strategies.

  • Incorporates scholarly sources, media reports, and legislative changes.

Page 2: Political Context

Rise of Religious Populism

  • Turkey's governance evolved under Erdoganism since 2002.

  • Transition from Kemalism to AKP's pro-authoritarian approach.

  • Erdogan’s leadership centralizes power and diminishes dissent.

Political Landscape

  • AKP’s grip affects political opposition, minorities, media, and academia.

  • Over 150,000 dismissals post-2016 coup; 100,000 arrests documented.

  • Academic institutions and media reported significant crackdowns.

Global Impact

  • AKP's influence extends into the Turkish diaspora, involving extradition cases.

  • Perception of extensive governmental reach affecting citizens abroad.

Page 3: Digital Landscape Evaluation

Internet Freedom Decline

  • Freedom House declares Turkey's internet freedom as "not free".

  • Internet usage among Turks remains high despite restrictions; 80% active online.

Social Media Engagement

  • 86.5% internet penetration by early 2024; nearly 70% of the population on social media.

  • Average time spent online: 7 hours, 29 minutes.

  • Digital platforms serve as crucial channels for dissent, contrasting with declining traditional media.

Page 4: Role of Religion in Authoritarianism

Legitimization through Religion

  • AKP uses Islamic rhetoric to justify censorship and online opposition crackdowns.

  • Diyanet (Directorate of Religious Affairs) supports the government's digital authoritarian agenda.

Impact of Religious Leadership

  • Islamic values framed as essential for moral governance.

  • Diyanet sermons align with government policies, promoting the narrative of digital censorship.

Page 5: Historical Context of Governance

Transition from Kemalism to Erdoganism

  • Kemalism historical roots contribute to contemporary political dynamics.

  • AKP’s constitutional changes remove Kemalists from power and bolster authoritarianism.

Erdoganism Characterization

  • Defined by electoral authoritarianism, neopatrimonialism, and populism.

  • Erdogan’s persona solidifies control over Turkish identity and governance.

Page 6: Co-option of Religious Authorities

Diyanet’s Role in Supporting AKP

  • Diyanet’s growth in budget and influence since AKP’s rise.

  • Support for Erdogan's policies, including digital governance initiatives.

Public Messaging and Propaganda

  • Religious teachings and public sermons disseminate pro-government narratives, enhancing control over public opinion.

Page 7: Diyanet and Social Media

Critique of Social Media

  • Diyanet voices concerns about social media harming societal morals; advocates for regulation.

  • A social media ethics booklet promotes surveillance and control in line with Islamic teachings.

Page 8: Islamic Scholars and Digital Governance

Pro-AKP Scholars

  • Notable scholars advocating for tighter controls on digital narratives to uphold Islamic values.

  • Emphasis on combating misinformation to shape public opinion favorably towards AKP.

Page 9: Anti-LGBTQ+ Sentiment in Governance

Targeting LGBTQ+ Communities

  • Government employs anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric as part of broader authoritarian tactics.

  • Censorship of LGBTQ+ content and initiatives to suppress visibility in media.

Page 10: Digital Network Control

Gezi Park Protests as a Turning Point

  • Response to protests led to stricter internet regulations and censorship under the guise of anti-terrorism.

  • Internet Law No. 5651 allows expansive government control over online content, targeting dissent.

Page 11: Continued Digital Suppression

Increase in Media Restrictions

  • Historical context of expanded legal frameworks to suppress opposition online.

  • Increased censorship on various fronts, affecting online and traditional media platforms.

Page 12: Social Media Influences & Restrictions

Government Control of Platforms

  • Social media companies pressured to comply with government demands or face bans.

  • Regulatory environment favoring pro-government narratives while suppressing dissent.

Page 13: Digital Authoritarianism Tactics

Crackdown on Online Voices

  • Targeted harassment and legal actions against dissenting voices since 2016 coup attempt.

  • Threats to individuals for sharing non-conforming opinions.

Page 14: Conclusion and Future Implications

Relationship Between Religion and Digital Control

  • Integration of religious ideology with digital governance enhances perceived legitimacy of the AKP's policies.

  • Effects of religious framing on public compliance and censorship practices.

References

  • Comprehensive reference list provided for sources cited in the analysis.