Inside Story

Secularism in Turkey

The presidential candidate’s relationship with Islamists has alarmed secularists.

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Thousands of Turks protest in Istanbul

Thousands of Turks have protested against what they say is a plot to compromise the secular order in their country.

Sunday’s rally comes as a row between the government and the army heats up.

The issue is the selection of Abdullah Gul, the foreign minister, as the sole presidential candidate.

Gul was supposed to be a compromise candidate, but his relationship with powerful Islamists has alarmed secularists.

YouTube

Watch Sir David Frost’s interview with a Turkey analyst from the Eurasia group here

So, is Turkey heading for a political standoff? What is the way out? What role are the courts and army playing?

Watch this episode of Inside Story here:

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This episode of Inside Story aired on 29 April 2007.

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