The Deep State in Turkish Politics: Historical Roots and Contemporary Transformations

Abstract

This article explores the concept of the "deep state" (Turkish: Derin devlet) in Turkey, tracing its historical development, ideological underpinnings, and influence on the country's political system. It examines the origins of the deep state in the early Republican period, highlighting the pivotal role of the military and elite groups as self-proclaimed guardians of the state. The study delves into key events such as the Ergenekon trials, the influence of nationalist groups like the Gray Wolves, and the aftermath of the 2016 coup attempt. It also investigates the growing role of the mafia in Turkish politics after 2020, illustrating how informal networks and clandestine power structures have adapted under the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's leadership. The article argues that the deep state, once a Kemalist-secularist tool, has been redefined to serve the neo-Ottoman and Islamist agenda of the AKP and its allies, reshaping Turkey’s domestic and foreign policies. Combining historical analysis with contemporary political developments, this work contributes to a nuanced understanding of the deep state's enduring presence and its transformation over time.