From Islamists to Muslim Democrats?: The Trajectory of Islamism in Egypt and Turkey against the Background of Historical, Political and Economic Developments

From Islamists to Muslim Democrats? deals with the transformation of Islamist movements in Egypt and Turkey against the background of thorough socio-economic and political change in both societies. In both of these two key countries of the region Islamist bottom-up movements have gained momentum and increasingly challenged the secular regimes. However, instead of demonising Islamism, the study suggests to look into the dynamics within these movements. Particularly, economic liberalisation and globalisation have induced a process of de-ideologisation. A new generation of Islamists have adapted their lifestyles and worldviews to market economy. The outcome has been a value-centred notion of Islam which is seemingly compatible with liberal economy and pluralist democracy. As an emergent, well educated and economically successful class, they demand for participation. Promoting universal values as human rights, the freedom of speech and democracy, they have given hope for the democratisation of Middle Eastern societies. The question is; what kind of democracy?

Dr. Cengiz Günay, Researcher at the Austrian Institute for International Affairs, Vienna, Lecturer at the University of Vienna/ International Development. Former Austria correspondent of CNNTürk, Graduation; University of Vienna / Department of History, PhD; University of Vienna / Department of Political Sciences in 2005Title