This highly original study of a Turkish statesman can be read as an introduction into Turkish politics. In his very clearly written and stimulating political biography of Ismet Inoenu, Metin Heper presents to the reader a highly motivated, self-reflecting and self-conscious political leader.
Ismet Inoenu played a critical role in the founding of the Turkish Republic, further promoting Westernization, and the transition to and the consolidation of democracy in Turkey. This volume is the first treatise on this remarkable statesman in any Western language. It challenges such orthodox views on Inoenu as his having played second fiddle vis-a-vis Ataturk and his having been a power-hungry politician with an authoritarian bend of mind. It is suggested that Inoenu complemented Ataturk, and that, over time, he adopted liberal political views while remaining a staunch guardian of the premises such as secularism upon which the Turkish Republic rested. It is also argued that if his compatriots had paid closer attention to Inoenu, they would have a more liberal conception of democracy and, at the same time, in politics they would have acted more prudently.
- ISBN10 9004099190
- ISBN13 9789004099197
- Publish Date 16 June 1998
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country NL
- Imprint Brill
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 278
- Language English
- URL brill.com/product_id2633