مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - THE NEW FACE OF ELITES, ISLAMIC BOURGEOISIE

Abstract :

In Turkey where the state tried to create a national bourgeoisie since the founding of the Republic of Turkey it has commence to lose its decisive feature in the face of economic growth experienced over time. Also the sociological and economic realities of the society have influenced this process. Particularly, the January 24th Economic Stabilization Decisions along with a free market economy thanks to the development of this continous change, the businessmen known with their religious and conservative identities, have dominated as the leading actors and they have achieved a significant status in the appearing relationship between Islam and capitalism. As well as their influence observed in economy, these actors who have displayed important roles in the social and political areas have attracted attention in the sociological changes in the last three decades with their thoughts and practices in the issues of religiosity, commerce and capitalism. MUSIAD that emerged just after 1980 as the opposing elites against TUSIAD and having been symbolised as the Islamic bourgeoisie during this process has become the symbol of the conservative values in the Turkish modernization. In order to construe and explain the meaning of its practices in the sogiological change, this study has also been supported by the in-depth interviews with three businessmen having religious and conservative identies and living in Ankara. To conclude, the secular structure of Turkish economy is decisive in the formation of religious and ideological thoughts and approach of businessmen being active in commercial activities.