When the Arab Spring broke out in December 2010, Turkey was considered a neutral soft power that could help stabilize the turbulent Middle East by being a positive political and economic model. It was, after all, a predominantly Muslim country with a democratic system of government, despite past interruptions to the democratic process.

It was also a country with a vibrant economy, growing rapidly and raising standards of living. This aspect was particularly admired by many in the Middle East, where people’s interest in the Turkish lifestyle also skyrocketed, as evidenced by the mass appeal of Turkish soap operas depicting alternatives ways of living for modern Muslims.

Whatever grudges some countries or groups may have against Turkey over its Ottoman legacy, it was generally conceded by the region’s intelligentsia that the “Turkish model” provided a viable alternative for Arab societies. Much was written about this idea, which was also said to prove that Islam and democracy are compatible.

The most important aspect of the Turkish model for the region, however, was the existence of the Islamist Justice and Development Party (AKP), headed by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The party won the electoral vote in 2002 and went on to increase its popularity in subsequent general elections. This proved to devout Muslims that a secular democracy need not be a hindrance for political Islam.