A descriptive analysis of the Turkish conservative right of the 1960s in the quotidian realm

Abstract

The 1960s was a decade characterized by youth movements, new cultural alignments, student revolts and many anti-establishment movements all around the world. Turkey was no exception. Many studies have focused on the left side of the political spectrum yet only a few historical accounts of the conservative, right-wing movements of the era exist. This thesis intends to shed light on the less-focused, poorly-elaborated social and cultural dynamics of Turkish conservatism during the 1960s. Through an examination of the periodical articles penned by prominent proponents of conservatism, the thesis aims to outline the broad political and ideological currents of the era. Attention will be devoted to the staunch opposition to communism, a heavy emphasis on nationalism and an increasing salience of Islamism in periodicals such as Babıali’de Sabah, Bugün and Yeni İstanbul as well as periodicals Büyük Doğu, Diriliş, Milli Gençlik, Milli Yol, Orkun, Selamet, Tohum, Toprak, Türk Düşüncesi and Türk Yurdu, all of which have been inadequately used by pundits of Turkish conservatism. For a background to Turkish conservatism of the era, the global dynamics of conservatism has also been presented, particularly as it developed initially in the European experiences. The study of conservative periodicals of the time reveals the intense emphasis on morality which is considered as the best antidote to communism and other left-wing currents. In this respect, the thesis problematizes the themes revolving around the notion of morality as perceived by Turkish conservatists of the 1960s.