Erdogan, the Cemaat, CHP: troubled triangle over religion's place in Turkey

The separation between mosque and state is growing thinner every day in Turkey. The Religious Affairs Directorate, for example, recently intervened in the political warfare between the Islamist camp of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the followers of US-based Sunni religious leader Fethullah Gulen, better known as the Cemaat. This intervention came in the form of a Friday prayer, which on Jan. 31 was read at mosques across the country:

“A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. He does not torment him, or isolate him. When he meets his religious brother’s needs, God watches out for him,” the imams read. “The loyalty of brotherhood is the inheritance of our beloved prophet. … Brotherhood is the ability to present a smiling face at difficult times or to say a few nice words. … Brotherhood requires being sensitive about others' needs.”

Since the corruption and bribery probe became public almost two months ago — alleging the government’s direct responsibility in this supposed dirty-works network — Erdogan has framed the investigation as an “attempted coup” carried out by the Cemaat’s strong presence in the judiciary. With the March 30 local elections quickly approaching, to be followed by presidential elections — the first by direct public vote, possibly in June — and then a scheduled general election in 2015, the Erdogan camp does not want the votes to be divided, as it aims to keep the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) strong at the ballot box.

“We shall act like one body when we face troubles in this … world with affection, grace and compassion,” the sermon continued. “Brotherhood means: Don’t get into a superiority contest … ; don’t envy each other; don’t hate each other; don’t turn your backs to each other … in whatever circumstances there may be, don’t leave your brother alone.”