The National Salvation Party (Milli Selamet Partisi), also known by the acronym MSP, was an Islamist political party in Turkey that played a significant role in the country’s political landscape during the 1970s. The party was established in 1972 as a continuation of the Milli Nizam Partisi (National Order Party), after the latter was banned by the Turkish government in 1971.
Etymology and Background
Milli Selamet Partisi translates to the National Salvation Party in English. “Milli” means “national,” “Selamet” translates as “salvation,” and “Partisi” means “party.” The name encapsulates the party’s aim to “save” the nation through various reforms and a return to Islamic moral and spiritual values.
The party emerged in response to the rising secularization and westernization observed in Turkey, aiming to counteract these trends by promoting rapid industrialization and a return to Islamic traditions. The party’s focus was not merely religious but also economic, advocating for robust industrial growth to establish a self-sufficient and morally upright state.
Historical Context
Founded in 1972, MSP sought to reinterpret Ottoman history, highlighting its achievements in contributing to Muslim civilization. Party leaders argued that the Ottoman Empire’s decline was tied to the infiltration of foreign cultural influences, a perspective they used to justify their push for cultural and moral rebirth.
Political Influence and Achievements
From 1973 to 1978, the MSP participated in three different coalition governments, giving it significant sway in Turkish politics. Necmettin Erbakan, the party’s most prominent figure, served as the Deputy Prime Minister during these coalitions, allowing the propagation of Islamist ideology within governmental structures. During these years, the MSP was instrumental in infiltrating various aspects of the bureaucracy, embedding its ideological viewpoints within the state apparatus.
Party Bans and Successors
The National Salvation Party was eventually banned by the military junta that took control of Turkey in September 1980, marking an abrupt end to its direct political activities. Nevertheless, its influence endured through its successor parties:
- Refah Partisi (Welfare Party) – Reorganized in 1983.
- Fazilet Partisi (Virtue Party) – Followed in 1998.
Cultural Impact and Comparisons
The MSP’s contribution to Turkish political life can be compared to other Islamist movements globally that similarly sought to embrace rapid industrialization while returning to their perceived traditional and religious roots.
Translations (Various Languages):
- Arabic: حزب الإنقاذ الوطني (Ḥizb al-ʾInqādh al-Waṭanī)
- Turkish: Milli Selamet Partisi
- Urdu: نیشنل سیلویشن پارٹی (Qaumi Najat Party)
- Indonesian: Partai Keselamatan Nasional
- Persian: حزب نجات ملی (Hezb-e Nejat-e Melli)
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Synonyms:
- National Rescue Party
- Islamic Reconstruction Party
- Moral Revival Party
- Antonyms:
- Secular Party
- Westernization Advocates
Related Terms:
- Necmettin Erbakan: Key figure and ideologue behind MSP
- Refah Partisi: Successor party, Welfare Party
- Fazilet Partisi: Another successor, Virtue Party
- Islamism: The ideological basis of the party
Quotations and Literary References
“The soul of this nation is entwined with its faith. To reclaim our destiny, we must turn back to our spiritual roots and forge ahead in industrial might.” — Necmettin Erbakan
Suggested Literature for Further Study:
- “The Rise of Political Islam in Turkey: Urban Poverty, Grassroots Activism and Islamic Democracy” by Angel Rabasa and F. Stephen Larrabee
- “Islamist Mobilization in Turkey: A Study in Vernacular Politics” by Jenny White
- “Islam and Secularism in Turkey: Kemalism, Religion and Politics” by Umut Azak
Exciting Facts
- Necmettin Erbakan’s Legacy: Known as the father of political Islam in Turkey, Erbakan’s strategies significantly influenced the country’s Islamist movements.
- Coalition Era Politics: MSP’s participation in coalition governments allowed it to embed Islamic preferences in public policies effectively.
Embrace knowledge and wisdom, dear reader. Venture further into history and ideology to comprehend the deep-rooted convictions that shape world political landscapes. For in understanding, there’s a bridge to a more harmonious existence.
Farewell, Emir Aslan Published on 2023-10-03
