Parties United in Elevating Religious Sects, Says Professor Övgün

Professor Barış Övgün has asserted that both the ruling and opposition parties in Turkey are responsible for the current standing of religious sects. He described the relationship between these sects and politics as a "take-and-give bargain" that intensifies during election periods.

Övgün highlighted a critical lack of genuine political will in Turkey to dismantle these deeply entrenched ties. He suggested that the political establishment, across party lines, has fostered an environment where religious groups can leverage their influence for political gain, rather than addressing the fundamental issues surrounding their integration into the political landscape.

The professor's remarks point to a systemic issue where religious organizations appear to be integrated into the political fabric, potentially influencing electoral outcomes and policy decisions. This dynamic, according to Övgün, prevents any real progress in separating religious influence from political power.