Event ID # 54532
Date:
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
 Time:
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Event:

Book Launch 'Political Islam in Turkey: Running West, Heading East?'
Host:

The International Institute for Strategic Studies
Location:

(Downtown)   Google Map
First Amendment Lounge, National Press Club
529 14th St NW #1300, Washington DC 20045
Contact:
Kay Floyd		 Phone:
202.659.1490
Email:
events-washington@iiss.org
Website:
http://www.iiss.org
Price:
No Fee
Full details:
It is our great pleasure to invite you to the book launch of Political Islam in Turkey: Running West, Heading East? by Gareth Jenkins. This will take place on Tuesday, 15 July 2008 at the First Amendment Lounge, National Press Club (529 14th St NW #1300, Washington DC 20045). We will begin with a light breakfast at 09:00hrs that will be followed by the presentation and discussion at 09:30hrs. This launch comes at a critical time. Political tensions are rising in Turkey. The legality of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is currently being challenged by prosecutors who allege it is involved in anti-secular activities inconsistent with the Republic’s constitution and founding ethos. Last week, two retired generals were arrested on charges of plotting to overthrow the government. At the root of these tensions lies a dispute about the role of Islam in Turkeys’ national life. Political Islam in Turkey: Running West, Heading East? traces the relationship between politics and religion in Turkey from the foundation of the Ottoman Empire through to the re-election of the moderate Islamist Justice and Development Party (AKP) in July 2007. It argues that the common assumption in Western countries that the modern Turkish Republic demonstrates that it is possible for a predominantly Muslim society to live in a secular state is – at best – premature. Order forms to purchase the book will be available at the event, but books will not be available. Alternatively, you may wish to purchase a copy of the book in advance by using the attached order form or an online book store of your choice. Please contact us in advance to schedule interviews, arrange provisions for a TV crew or to discuss additional technical requirements. A mult box will be available for broadcast media.RSVPs (acceptances only) will be accepted in the order in which they are received. Kindly RSVP no later than 14 July 2008 to events-washington@iiss.org or tel: 202.659.1490. Please feel free to share this invitation. If you would like to bring a guest, kindly let us know that at the time of your RSVP.