Turkey Referendum

I visited Turkey in the 1970's when my parents lived there. My Dad was working for the British Embassy and they spent two years in Ankara. I truly hope that the no vote will win, but fear that it won't. Erdogan had a lot of followers. Changing from a Parliamentary democracy to a Presidential one is a retrograde step in my opinion. Erdogan is a hard line Muslim and I fear that he will undo all the good work that Kemal Atatürk did for the modern Turkish state.

We went on a conducted tour of historic sites in Turkey a few years ago. Our guide who spoke excellent English seemed very knowledgable, indeed came across as quite erudite, a very well educated person in both the arts and the sciences.

As a tourist guide his knowledge of history had to be good, but as a Turkish citizen, it was clear that he had to self-censor up to a point. Even so, it was clear from the passion with which he spoke that he was immensely proud of Kemal Ataturk who founded the secular state that is modern Turkey.

He pointed out to us that this meant freedom of religion and no legal connection of politics and religion. When we heard the call to prayer in Istanbul, he showed us that some people went to the mosque but most did not.

However, even then, it was clear that Erdogan had a different agenda. He was spending umpteen millions building a guilded palace for himself, bigger than Buckingham Palace but in the vulgar style we now associate with Donald Trump. His wife wore a veil. At that time it was illegal for teachers and civil servants to wear veils but that law has since been rescinded.

When I heard that Theresa May had gone straight from her meeting with Trump to visit Erdogan, I thought it was a joke- but no, she actually did that, as the post-brexit UK would be so desperate for any trade that our values mean nothing.

I think Turkey is pivotal country which matters a great deal tgo the stability of the West and I hope that Erdogan is not allowed to become an outright dictator.

There is no doubt that Erdogan will win.

My daughter worked as an English teacher in Ankara in the 1990s. It was a very different country then, truly a secular country.

The refugee situation is only part of the 'possible' concerns in my opinion.

Erdogan given a 'free hand' to basically ride rough shod over Turkeys present status of being a 'constitutionally' democratic, secular country 'could' be the start of a Muslim imposed Dictatorship.

Erdogan has since taking the Presidency in 2014 systematically jailed judges, journalists, political rivals and the Military Coup failed miserably .

Which direction will he take Turkey? East or West , he has tried to please both at times but given overall power making decisions what does he really want?

Will he make Turkey a hard line Islamic Nation?

I think there is quite a good chance Turkey under Erdogan could well become a problem for NATO , The West and the Turkish Referendum will have given him unrestricted power over the Turkey Parliament, Laws , Media etc. and he will not be shy to wield his power over the Turkish People.

The Times today says it's on a knife edge.
Clearly a huge grab for power and of enormous importance to Turkey, but I haven't got a handle on just how bad it might be in terms of the international situation. If he loses he will still have his current power and influence, and I would think that will still let him have his way in terms of foreign policy?

I think if the arrangement over refugees falls apart it could become a major concern!!

I think it's a given that he will win the referendum. It's obvious that he's given up all hope of joining the eu and with that he won't stop migrants/ refugees crossing into Greece.

Surely all sensible people are going to vote against this, aren't they? It seems a most extraordinary referendum to me.

WW

I am glad you agree it is a concern but Who said it was the most important one?

I agree it is a concern, but certainly not the most important one.