Is Turkey a model Muslim democracy?
A tale of two neighbourhoods.

Turkish society is torn between old and new, symbolised in literature by two neighbourhoods of Istanbul. Fatih stands for the traditional, Muslim ways. Harbiye represents secular modernity and westernisation.

In 1923 Mustapha Kemal, the founder of modern Turkey, firmly chose modernity and separation between Mosque and State - the path to Harbiye. But is Turkey now rediscovering its Islamic roots - and heading back down the road to Fatih? In the face of the growing challenge from political Islam, is Turkey a fitting model for other Muslim states to follow? What happens to civil rights, minorities, freedom of speech and worship in a country that defines itself as strictly secular?

Yossi Eli is an Israeli historian of Turkish origin. He spent six years studying Turkish history in Istanbul and Tel Aviv and is now reading for a PhD.

Sunday 9 July, 7pm for 7.30pm
Lecture followed by light refreshments
Venue: Holland Park Synagogue - 8 St James's Gardens, London W11
Tickets £8 / £5 (concessions for full time students and UB40s)
Advance booking from The Spiro Ark - 0207 723 9991

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