The Kemalist One-Party State and Economic Wellbeing of Turkey

Abstract

This paper reviews the period from 1923 to 1950. In this period, we examine a Kemalist One-Party state that contains extremist measures towards the people and radical reforms in the country. This rule of single-party regime lasts for 27 years and contains a great variety of hints to understand Turkish political thought. In this sense, economic developments and state intervened policies of the postwar period will also be investigated. This is illustrated by giving examples of the state’s taxation policies and the industrial capabilities of the new republic. It is hoped that this study will enlighten readers to understand the indispensable issue that is the people’s reaction against state’s economic policies and their complacency towards the reforms.