Fact Check: Turkey's Withdrawal of Istanbul convention is linked of AKP's focus on Islamic policies

Fact Check: Turkey's Withdrawal of Istanbul Convention Linked to AKP's Focus on Islamic Policies

What We Know

On March 20, 2021, Turkey officially withdrew from the Istanbul Convention, a Council of Europe treaty aimed at preventing violence against women and domestic violence. This decision was met with significant backlash from women's rights groups and the general public, many of whom viewed it as a major setback for women's rights in Turkey, a country already grappling with high rates of gender-based violence and femicides, with at least 300 women murdered in 2020 alone (source-1).

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, indicated that the withdrawal was influenced by conservative and religious factions within Turkey, who argued that the Convention undermined traditional family values and promoted homosexuality (source-1). Despite public opposition to the withdrawal—84% of Turks reportedly opposed it—Erdoğan's administration proceeded with the decision, suggesting a strategic move to consolidate support from conservative voters amid declining popularity and economic challenges (source-1).

Analysis

The claim that Turkey's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention is linked to the AKP's focus on Islamic policies is supported by several factors. The AKP has been increasingly aligning itself with conservative Islamic values, particularly in response to internal pressures from religious groups and a desire to maintain its voter base (source-2). The party's narrative around the Convention framed it as a threat to traditional family structures, a view echoed by conservative women’s groups who, despite some support for the Convention, were ultimately sidelined in the political discourse (source-1).

Moreover, Erdoğan's decision can be seen as a strategic maneuver to re-energize his conservative base amid economic downturns and rising dissatisfaction with his governance. By withdrawing from the Convention, he aimed to signal a commitment to conservative values, which he hoped would translate into electoral support (source-1). This aligns with broader trends in Turkish politics, where the AKP has increasingly embraced a neo-traditionalist ideology, reminiscent of the Muslim Brotherhood, which emphasizes the preservation of traditional gender roles (source-4).

The sources used in this analysis are credible, including reports from established organizations like Freedom House and academic articles that provide a thorough examination of the political context surrounding the withdrawal. These sources highlight the AKP's strategic use of Islamic policies to maintain power and appeal to its conservative voter base.

Conclusion

The claim that Turkey's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention is linked to the AKP's focus on Islamic policies is True. The decision reflects a broader strategy by Erdoğan and the AKP to consolidate support among conservative factions, responding to internal pressures and declining popularity. The withdrawal serves as a symbolic gesture to reinforce traditional values at a time when the party faces significant challenges.

Sources

1. What lies behind Turkey’s withdrawal from the Istanbul ...
2. Withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention - Freedom House
3. Why Turkey’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention is a ...
4. Turkey withdraws from Istanbul Convention - what now?
5. Full article: A decade of dichotomy: understanding Turkey’s ...
6. Turkey’s Withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention
7. Turkey’s Withdrawal « Area Studies# « Cambridge Core Blog