📖 Erbakan, Necmettin: An In-Depth Exploration
Definition:
Necmettin Erbakan (1926-2011) was a pioneering Turkish politician and academic who played a significant role in incorporating Islamic principles within the framework of parliamentary democracy in Turkey. He notably served as the Prime Minister of Turkey from 1996 to 1997.
Etymology and Name Origins:
- Necmettin: Derived from Arabic, “Najm al-Din” meaning “Star of the Religion.”
- Erbakan: Turkish surname, Er signifying “brave” or “valiant,” and Baken relating to “reputation” or “dignity.”
Historical Background:
Erbakan entered politics after a successful engineering academic career. His transition heralded a new phase where Islamic values and modern development were promoted together.
Key Historical Facts and Dates:
- 1926: Born in Sinop, Turkey.
- 1969: Elected to the National Assembly representing Konya.
- 1970: Founded the Milli Nizam Partisi (National Order Party, MNP).
- 1972: MNP was banned.
- 1973: Co-founded Milli Selamet Partisi (National Salvation Party, MSP).
- 1995: Established the Refah Partisi (Welfare Party).
- 1996-1997: Served as Turkey’s Prime Minister until he was forced out by a military memorandum.
Cultural Impact:
Erbakan’s influence extended beyond Turkey as he was instrumental in promoting political Islam as a means of governance fused with national contemporary needs.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms:
- Synonyms: Islamist Politician, Leader of Islamic Revival.
- Antonyms: Secularist, Laicist.
- Related Terms: Milli Görüş (National Outlook), Refah Partisi (Welfare Party), RP, MSP, MNP.
Translations:
- Arabic: نجم الدين أربكان (Najmuddin Erbakan)
- Turkish: Necmettin Erbakan
- Urdu: نجم الدین اربکان
- Persian: نجمالدین اربکان
- Bengali: নাজমুদ্দিন এরবাকান
Inspirational Quotes:
“We are not against modernity, but against futility.” – Necmettin Erbakan
Literature and Further Studies:
- Books:
- “Islam and Modernity: Transformation and Continuities” by Fazlur Rahman.
- “Islamist Democracy: Religion and Politics in Turkey, Pakistan, and Iran” by Nathan J. Brown.
- Articles:
- “The Rise of Political Islam in Turkey: The Case of Necmettin Erbakan” published in Middle Eastern Studies.
- “Turkey’s Necmettin Erbakan: Between Islam and Modernity” in Journal of Islamic Studies.
May you be inspired by the convergence of tradition and modernity in Turkish politics exemplified by Necmettin Erbakan.
Written with passion and scholarly rigor by Yasmin El-Rafai on 2023-10-03.
“In seeking knowledge, seek it even unto China.” – The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
May you be inspired to explore the blend of tradition and innovation, much like Necmettin Erbakan’s legacy.
