Turkey

THE TURKISH RIGHT has been dominant in Turkish politics since the first free elections were held in 1950. The center-right parties have ruled Turkey since then, except during periods of military rule and some shortterm coalitions led by center-left parties. The distinction between right-wing and left-wing in Turkish politics began with the leadership of the Republican People's Party (RPP, 1923–present) in 1965 when it declared its position at the left of center. Then, its counterparty, the Justice Party (JP, 1961–80), called itself a center-right party. The Democrat Party (DP, 1946–60), the Motherland Party (MP, 1983–present), the True Path Party (TPP, 1983–present), and the Justice and Development Party (JDP, 2000–present) became the major center-right parties. Besides these, there are some religious right-wing parties represented by the ...