Foreign


Islamic Fundamentalism Pervades Once-Secular Turkey


A Newsmax photo essay reveals a growing Islamist


influence penetrating everyday society in the country.


T BY LISA DAFTARI


he sandstorm of political and social turmoil that has swept across the Middle East and North Africa, commonly referred to as the Arab Spring, promised freedoms and signifi - cant changes. But as the dust settles, the fundamentalist under- tones of these movements are becoming increasingly evident. Islamist forces are gaining momentum in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, and Saudi Arabia. Their threatening cultural, religious, and political infl uences are aff ecting their neighbors, even once-secular Turkey. Historically, Turkey has been the only secular democracy in the region. As such, it is consid- ered the key player in bridging the contrasting cultures of East and West. Experts would argue Turkey’s most important role has been serving as both a buff er between its old friend Israel, and the Jewish nation’s hos- tile Arab neighbors. But today Israel fi nds its once-unique relationship with Turkey in turmoil, and may be tattered beyond repair.


As Middle East geopolitical alliances shift, and fundamentalist Islamic infl uences redefi ne societies, the growing Islamization of Turkish society translates into a signifi cant game-changer for the Middle East. Street scenes in Istanbul, Turkey, reveal how deeply these Islamist infl uences have penetrated into almost every aspect of Turkish society.


HAGIA SOPHIA, ISTANBUL


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