E.

U - Turkey Relations : Religious Factor

Written by Emrah ALTINKAYA

Wednesday, 05 May 2010 20:51

Wall Street Journal, one of main actors of American printed media published last week an
evaluation article about Turkey’s European Union membership. This article underlines main
factors why Turkey’s European Union membership was rejected. The most striking and
emphasized one was “Muslim Turkey” secret that everyone knows.

Wall Street Journal emphasizes that main reason of Turkey’s being rejected by European Union
to membership is not political-social reforms, is only 99% of Turkish Muslims, a high percentage
and underlines this reality mostly not being spoken out by European politicians

In these circumstances, Turkey was as a matter of fact pulled into flaming discussions.
European Union membership mostly a complicated one, nevertheless that can’t be left aside
and became a government policy, remains on the agenda with “religion” factor in a way that
liberals and European Union supporters get mad of.

If we evaluate the situation objectively and empathize, the situation depends on prejudgments
and fears. Representatives of European Union member states want to exclude Turkey because
of its Muslim identity and European Union opposites in Turkey (political Islamists) underlines for
many years the basis depending on this opposition that is European Union-being a Christian
Club and impossibility of remaining for any Muslim country in the community.

If we look through this perspective, main problem depends on the approach of political scientists
and politicians in western world that is based on prejudgments and fears against “unfamiliar
people and religious beliefs”.

Islamic paranoia which has been increased since September 11 may disappear after Turkey’s
membership. Turkey’s being a country founded with western norms, laic secular state and its
cultural understanding adopting respect and tolerance to all beliefs that is inherited from
Ottoman Empire may remove prejudgments of marginal groups in European union member
states and existing Muslim opposition.

When we simplify the situation, an example can be set forth as below: Turkey’s still having
Muslim identity when considered Turkish people starting its membership process in 1959 and

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E.U - Turkey Relations : Religious Factor

Written by Emrah ALTINKAYA

Wednesday, 05 May 2010 20:51

Turkey’s having been included in adaptation process since then, demonstrates European Union
member states’ subjective two-faced point of view. In this respect it is obvious when considered
EU that keep Turkey wait for 51 years by setting out various conditions, its existing values
turned into “Islamic opposition”. Trying to exclude Turkey who has gained day by day more
prestige and has a voice in its region and Islamic world because of its eastern and Muslim
identity, appears as a shallow perception. It is wrong to include European Union into a general
shape as “Christian Club”. Turkey has mutual relationships in political, social and economic
fields with member countries for years

Especially, “Christian democrats and French secularists” who have an impact on this opposition
and try to govern all member states, remain at the forefront. As a matter of fact “Turkey’s
Muslim identity” that is verbalized more in early days remains as a psychological barrier, just as
an excuse in European people’s thoughts when considered changing conjuncture and union
structure because an important opportunity will arise to break taboos in Western system of
thought against Islam when a Muslim population up to approximately 30 million and turkey with
population of 75 million are integrated into the community.

As a result; Turkey remains behind standards when liberties of press, judicial independence,
women-men equality, social welfare are considered. Turkish government without considering
“Religious Factor”, have to ensure life standards of Turkish people whether joins the union or
not. In this respect; I attach more importance to our country’s improvement and development in
every respect and reform studies made than joining in European Union. If the objective is to
achieve modern civilizations’ level, modernization criteria do not only exist in Copenhagen. In
this respect interaction is essential. But indispensable principle of International relationship is
the one that is mutual and open to sharing.

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