TÜRKİYE ORTA ASYA HABER KKUORDİNATÖRÜ

GLOBAL DIPLOMACY: LONDON Autocracy Rises in Türkiye – The Price of Eliminating Democratic Opposition An Examination of Systematic Repression of Political Opposition and Erosion of Secular Legacies in a Transforming Nation In recent years, Türkiye’s political trajectory has taken a worrying turn toward overt autocracy. The imprisonment of Ekrem İmamoğlu, once a symbol of popular opposition in Istanbul and a strong advocate of secular democracy, marks a defining moment in the country’s departure from the pluralistic ideals laid down by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. As President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accelerates a comprehensive purge of political opposition, Turkey is witnessing an unprecedented assault on its democratic institutions and civil society; an assault that is not only reshaping domestic politics but also causing ripples in the international community. Imamoğlu’s arrest is symbolic of a broader strategy. Once celebrated as a potential leader who could challenge Erdoğan’s long-standing dominance, İmamoğlu’s arrest on corruption charges (widely perceived by his supporters as politically motivated) has triggered a dramatic increase in government repression. The official narrative portrays the arrest as a necessary measure against corruption and a safeguard against illegal behavior. However, closer examination reveals the timing and nature of the crackdown to be a deliberate effort to silence opposition at a critical time. In the days following his detention, İmamoğlu emerged as a defiant voice, calling on citizens to mobilize and defend democracy. His calls for mass protest resonated with thousands across the country, with demonstrations erupting in cities from Istanbul to Rize, even in regions traditionally loyal to Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP). Characterized by clashes with riot police and the use of water cannons, these protests signal a deeply polarized society where opposition is met with state-sponsored violence and intimidation. Erdoğan’s response to the unfolding crisis has been clear. With rhetoric characterizing any challenge to his authority as “street terrorism” and a direct threat to public order, the president has effectively delegitimized the opposition as a destabilizing force. His government’s move to remove İmamoğlu from office on the day of his arrest, despite the planned presidential elections in 2028, reveals a disturbing willingness to sacrifice democratic norms to consolidate power. This move is not simply about neutralizing a single political rival; it is part of a broader pattern of the Erdoğan administration dismantling the infrastructure that underpins Türkiye’s democratic system. The repercussions of this repression extend beyond the political arena. In a country where secularism once served as a shield against authoritarianism, Erdoğan’s systematic erosion of the legacy of Atatürk, the founding father who envisioned Türkiye as a modern, secular republic, carries profound symbolic significance. By targeting the Republican People's Party (CHP) and its leading figures, the current regime is signaling a clear break with Türkiye's secular past. In doing so, it is rewriting the nation's historical narrative and replacing decades of institutional checks and balances with a personalized, autocratic regime. This trend toward autocracy is not unique to Türkiye. It reflects a broader global shift in which populist leaders, emboldened by the weakening of traditional democratic norms, are increasingly resorting to authoritarian tactics to maintain power. Erdoğan's methods – from the arbitrary revocation of academic titles to the disqualification of political opponents through legal manipulation – are part of an organized effort to create an environment where opposition is not only deterred but systematically eliminated. As political opponents are arrested and critical media outlets silenced, the space for public debate shrinks, and citizens' hope of holding their leaders accountable diminishes. In this context, the international community faces a profound dilemma. Long considered a key NATO ally and a cornerstone of the regional security architecture of the Middle East and Eastern Europe, Turkey is now undergoing a transformation that calls into question its future as a democratic partner. Western governments, which historically championed Türkiye’s secular and democratic identity, are now grappling with the consequences of Erdoğan’s authoritarian leanings. The crackdown on opposition figures like İmamoğlu not only undermines Türkiye’s internal stability but also complicates relations with international allies who value democratic governance. The consequences of Türkiye’s slide toward autocracy are multifaceted.