Establishment of the Virtue Party

Historical Significance and Background

The establishment of the Virtue Party is a political formation that replaced the Welfare Party, which was closed in Turkey. The 1990s were a period of significant changes in Turkey's political arena. During this period, the rise of politically Islamic-oriented parties was observed in Turkey.

The Welfare Party achieved great success and came to power in the 1995 general elections. However, the post-modern coup process that took place on February 28, 1997, resulted in attempts to close down the Welfare Party. After the National Security Council meeting held on June 15, 1997, an application was made to the Constitutional Court for the closure of the Welfare Party. As a result of this process, the decision was made to close down the Welfare Party.

Development of the Event

Establishment of the Virtue Party

Following the closure of the Welfare Party, party members embarked on a search for a new political formation. On December 15, 1997, the Virtue Party, which was a continuation of the Welfare Party, was established. Recep Tayyip Erdogan assumed the leadership of the party.

Constitutional Court Decision and Closure

The Virtue Party was closed down by the Constitutional Court in 2001. The reasons for the closure of the party were cited as anti-secular actions and activities that were against the law. With the decision of the Constitutional Court, the political activities of the Virtue Party came to an end.

Results and Effects

The establishment and closure of the Virtue Party had significant consequences for Turkey's political and social structure. Among the short-term effects were the creation of a political environment of uncertainty and instability. During this process, serious question marks arose regarding Turkey's EU membership.

Among the long-term results, there was a transformation in Turkey's political system. The closure of the Virtue Party led to a partial withdrawal of politically Islamic-oriented parties and the rise of a new political formation like the Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Historical Significance and Reflections on Today

The establishment and closure of the Virtue Party are important turning points in Turkey's political history. This event led to the increased influence of politically Islamic-oriented parties in the political arena and transformations in Turkey's political structure.

Today, the closure of the Virtue Party and the subsequent rise of the AKP continue to deeply impact Turkey's political and social structure. Additionally, lessons have been learned from the closure of the Virtue Party with the aim of enabling political parties to operate within a legal framework and strengthening democracy in Turkey.