The distinguishing feature of the AK Party

The reforms of the AK Party has challenged several deep-rooted mindsets that were perceived as being essentially peculiar to Turkey



For nearly a century Turkey witnessed that some of the problems that could not be resolved had gotten graver, and that these problems created an economic, political and social culture in the country. So, for an average citizen, Turkey used to mean Kurdish, Armenian, Alevi and religious groups' issues, a poor economy, limited rights, poverty and conflict. Those problems virtually became the identity of the regime. For citizens of Turkey thinking that the country could exist without these problems was as senseless as thinking about a non-floating ship or a non-flying airplane.The country seemed to have been built on these issues. Of course, this long-lasting and agonizing status-quo created a depredation in all the institutions of the country and intimidated the public. Moreover, the institutions, civil society and all Turkey's citizens internalized the poor mindset of this system.Consequently, everything that was founded in Turkey imitated the state's model regardless of terrorist organizations, unions, chambers, syndicates, or NGOs. This case means that they became the natural associate of the greatest organization. The transitions between seemingly incompatible institutions or people, which are met with a great surprise, are actually the outcome of this mutual mindset and morality. Naturally, they do not want the regime to change. If the system changes despite that, they would lose their legitimacy and turn into illegal organizations.The main thing that stirred reactions within the last 12 years is the fact that Recep Tayyip Erdogan has differentiated himself from this mutual mindset and moral system gradually and rationally, without victimizing himself. He could have enacted the headscarf reform, made an apology for Dersim or expressed condolences for the 1915 Armenian events in 2002. More precisely, his mindset was able to perform all these at that time. But, let alone the things mentioned above, he did not even abolish the nationalist student oath in 2002, and might have been thrown away with a coup d'état as a result of it. Maybe even his party's base might not have understood him, while some others might have found him inexperienced or resented him.To sum up, the main cause of Erdogan and the Justice and Development Party's (AK Party) success is that they achieved looking at economic and political problems and the old regime with a different point of view. And they could improve that perspective in due time by learning from their mistakes, which is the most valuable character of this movement. So, it is unique for the masses to desire change.If this analysis is correct, then it is a requisite for President Erdogan, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and the AK Party to adjust this character to the new conditions and bring it into the forefront in order to institutionalize reforms and completely eradicate the old mindset. The importance of this critical threshold requires that it be known that the party is submitted to a qualified team with a meticulous strategy. Some messages were given to the temperamental ones - they were invited to keep up with the changes. This mild transition is a great chance. As it is evident in how many months the myth of Fethullah Gülen has collapsed, the value of an honorable end or a chance for recovery will be understood.A mindset can change within three or four generations. This is the greatest issue of Turkey now. It is possible to accelerate this transformation.I guess the most proper formula is thinking about ourselves bravely, going out of ourselves and always keeping in mind that this issue is the most fundamental subject. The following 10 years will witness the construction of a new mindset. There is no other option, and there should never be.