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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.