The Political Ban on Necmettin Erbakan was Lifted

Historical Significance and Background

On December 5, 1986, the political ban on Necmettin Erbakan, one of Turkey's former Prime Ministers, was lifted and he returned to active politics. This event is considered a significant turning point in Turkish political history.

The 1980s were a challenging period for Turkey both politically and economically. Following the military coup on September 12, 1980, martial law was declared in the country, political parties were closed, and politicians were imprisoned. The political atmosphere during this period led to politicians like Necmettin Erbakan facing political bans.

Necmettin Erbakan was the leader of the National Order Party and pursued an Islamic policy. The military regime established after the September 12 coup took measures to weaken the power of Islamic political movements. Therefore, Erbakan also faced a political ban.

Development of the Event

The Early Years of the 1980s

At the beginning of the 1980s, the political atmosphere in Turkey was still tense. The government's reluctance to lift political bans prevented Erbakan and other politicians from making a comeback. However, over time, changes occurred in the political environment, and Erbakan's hopes for the lifting of the ban increased.

Lifting of Necmettin Erbakan's Political Ban

On December 5, 1986, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Turkey lifted Necmettin Erbakan's political ban. This decision allowed Erbakan to return to active politics.

The lifting of Erbakan's political ban was welcomed with great joy by Islamists and their supporters. Erbakan returned to the political scene by establishing the National Salvation Party.

Consequences and Effects

The lifting of Necmettin Erbakan's political ban resulted in many consequences and effects in Turkish politics. Among the short-term effects, the strengthening of Islamist movements and the increasing influence of the National Salvation Party under Erbakan's leadership can be mentioned.

In the long run, the lifting of Erbakan's political ban contributed to the more prominent presence of Islamic politics in Turkish politics. The National Salvation Party established during this period and subsequently the Welfare Party played an important role in Turkish politics.

The lifting of Erbakan's political ban also led to social and political changes. A period began where Islamic values and policies came to the forefront. During this period, some changes occurred in government policies and societal structure.

Historical Significance and Reflections to the Present

The lifting of Necmettin Erbakan's political ban is considered a significant turning point in Turkish political history. This event marked the beginning of a period where Islamic politics gained strength and became an influential actor in Turkish politics.

Today, the influence of political movements led by Erbakan can still be felt. The Justice and Development Party (AK Party), the successor of the Welfare Party, is one of Turkey's most important political parties and carries on Erbakan's political legacy.

The lifting of Necmettin Erbakan's political ban is evaluated as one of the turning points in Turkish political history and sheds light on current political developments with the lessons learned.