Great Unity Party

The Great Unity Party, known in Turkish as Büyük Birlik Partisi (BBP), is a political party in Turkey that was established in 1993. It emerged from a split within the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), one of Turkey's major nationalist parties.…   The BBP was founded by Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu and others who sought a political platform that would blend Turkish nationalism with a more pronounced emphasis on Islamic values, distinguishing it from the secular nationalism that has been predominant in Turkey since its foundation as a republic in 1923.<br /><br />The party's ideology is often described as a mix of nationalist and Islamist elements, advocating for the unity and integrity of the Turkish state while emphasizing the role of Islam in public life. The BBP calls for the preservation of national and moral values, advocating for policies that reflect Islamic principles while also stressing the importance of national sovereignty and unity. It positions itself against what it perceives as Western cultural imperialism and advocates for policies that would protect Turkish culture and traditions.<br /><br />Despite its nationalist and Islamist roots, the BBP also expresses a commitment to democracy and the rule of law, positioning itself as a defender of the rights and freedoms of the Turkish people. However, its electoral support has been limited, and it has often played a more significant role in shaping nationalist discourse in Turkey than in directly influencing the country's political landscape through electoral success.<br /><br />The BBP's values reflect a blend of religious conservatism and nationalism, aiming to appeal to voters who feel that Islamic identity should play a more prominent role in Turkey's political and social life, while also emphasizing the importance of national unity and resistance to external influences. Over the years, the party has participated in various elections, often aligning with other nationalist or Islamist parties in electoral alliances, reflecting its position within Turkey's complex political spectrum that includes secularists, nationalists, Islamists, and Kurds, among others.Read more