The land of art, architecture, numerous mosques and more than five centuries of history – Turkey – is today at the verge (or the beginnings?) of a political turmoil that most political critics have started to term as Pakistanization of Turkey.
We, as Pakistanis are very much aware of what it really means to be “Pakistanalized” but for those out there who are politically illiterate, let us first have an overview of the political scenario of the country since its Independence:
Ever since 1951, there had been attempts (though unsuccessful) to take over by military. In 1958, however, Ayyub Khan came in power following a series of events. After this one successful military coup, subsequent army generals took over the country – in 1977 and then in 1999.
Even today, there are chances that Gen. Raheel Sharif could take control over the government and dismiss the Sharif Brothers, together with their business envisage.
Who hasn’t heard of Turkey on international and local news? There are terrorist attacks, shelling and a curfew going on in the country – what is really happening?
Apparently, Recep Tayyip Erdogan – the president of Turkey – together with his party AKP is struggling to gain absolute power. However, his attempts to achieve this objective were retaliated by a military coup – although in vain. The creditability of this attack is questionable – was it faked so that Erdogan may do as he pleases…?
The fact that Turkey had been facing certain political upheavals was ignored by many under the label of ‘internal problems’ but the events taking place today indicate that what happens in Turkey does not stay in Turkey – their issues have gained a global significance: its impact on the Syrian refugees, the unfolding of Syrian war, its rigorous Islamization that can affect its image as a secular country. The impact of Erdogan’s adventurism on Kurdish minorities spread throughout the region would give way to conflicts that would spread region-wide. Not to overlook the fact that Turkey – for years – has been a major tourist attraction. The turmoil and the terror attacks would, of course affect its image in the international world.
Another reason for labeling the events in Turkey as Pakistanalized is the fact that in the last five months, Ankara faced its third major terror attack with around 200 deaths estimated and many injured. It certainly rings a bell! Think bloodsheds in Karachi, Lahore and the Peshawar attack. It seems as if, alongside Pakistan, Turkey is also terrorized! Another similarity is the links of Turkey with Syrian jihadist groups like Pakistan’s certain areas are said to be hub for Taliban.
So far, the scenario is still unpredictable as to what Erdogan and his political allies would end up with or how these events would affect the image of this land of art and architecture internationally or would there be ever peace and the end of terror for her people as opposed to Minister of Interior Ala’s pessimistic view regarding such attacks which are, “impossible to prevent 100%.” Most importantly because Islam is partly practiced in Turkey and there is a mosque for every 350 people – simply put the prevalence of Islam – is this a reason enough to explain the events in Turkey and mar the image of a religion that preaches nothing but peace and equality?
