The June uprising in Turkey

Abstract

The June uprising was an unexpected explosion of the already-accumulated reaction and anger of millions of Turkish citizens that has opened a new chapter in Turkish political history by actualising the most massive, determined and militant mobilisation against the oppressive measures of the government. The aim of the AKP government, which is becoming increasingly authoritarian, to change the basics of the system, together with the weakness of the formal opposition, created the conditions which were suitable for the uprising. This article aims to analyse the history of the events in Gezi Park, and the political, economic and social conditions which led up to it, as well as to provide some early assessment of the significance of the uprising for the future of Turkey and its political structures. Ultimately, this was an uprising against the Power, but it did not aim to overthrow it. Nevertheless, the June uprising has not yet ended and should be analysed well by political scientists aiming to read the future of Turkish politics.