"The Arabs, the Turks and Islamic Bourgeoisie
13/03/2008
By Manal Lutfi
Istanbul, Asharq Al-Awsat- The “Islamic bourgeoisie” that led to the victory of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the last parliamentary elections is made up of businessmen with Islamic orientations and who are not so distant from politics. They are characterized by the coordination that takes place amongst themselves; a network of close and extensive relations and sufficient funding in support of various candidates in elections. The truth is that the “Islamic bourgeoisie” is not a product of the Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) experience; it is a product of the reign of former Turkish Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan’s experience during which a class of businessmen emerged who were close to the Refah Partisi (Welfare Party)."
More:The Arabs, the Turks and Islamic Bourgeoisie (Asharq Alawsat Newspaper)