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Political divide in Turkey: Citizens disagree on the origin of hope between defense sectors and political reforms

Antidepressant use in Turkey reflects the diverse political perspectives of its population.

Diverging Views Among Turkish Citizens: Hope for Political Change vs. Defense Sector in...
Diverging Views Among Turkish Citizens: Hope for Political Change vs. Defense Sector in Nation-Tuurkiye

Political divide in Turkey: Citizens disagree on the origin of hope between defense sectors and political reforms

In a revealing survey, a stark mental health and political divide between supporters of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) has emerged [1].

One in five CHP voters reported using antidepressants in the past year, while figures among AK Party supporters are much lower [1]. This correlation with a deep sense of despair, especially among younger CHP supporters, indicates systemic socio-political challenges that extend beyond partisan disagreements.

The survey also found that both sides widely believe that "torpil" (nepotism or connections) matters more than hard work or education for success, fuelling frustration and disillusionment, particularly among youth preparing for competitive exams [1].

Interestingly, when asked to evaluate their own morality, respondents gave themselves an average score of 7.24 out of 10, indicating a widening perception gap [1].

Ankara's defense breakthroughs are increasingly tied to national pride and seen as proof of self-sufficiency in a turbulent region. Notably, when asked about the most promising development for Turkey in the next five years, CHP voters primarily pointed to a change in government, while AK Party supporters highlighted the defense industry as the most significant driver of optimism [1].

The defense sector's prominence among AK Party supporters underscores President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's emphasis on military technology and strategic autonomy resonating with his base [1]. Government supporters remain confident in the defense industry and national projects, despite economic concerns.

The survey indicates a fractured social landscape in Turkey, with rising antidepressant use among opposition supporters, youth despair, and historic lows in trust in collective morality [1]. The findings suggest that politics in Turkey has a significant impact on hope, identity, and even mental health, and that systemic challenges such as youth alienation, declining belief in fairness, and moral distrust will continue to shape the country's trajectory in the years ahead [1].

[1] turkiyetoday.com, 2025-08-16, "Defense industry vs. political change of nation—Türkiye's citizens diverge on source of hope and despair"

  1. The government of Turkey, located in Ankara, and its ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) are facing a mental health and political divide with the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), as indicated by a recent survey.
  2. The survey shows that the CHP voters have a higher rate of antidepressant use compared to AK Party supporters, suggesting a correlated sense of despair, particularly among younger CHP supporters.
  3. Both parties share the belief that "torpil" (nepotism or connections) is crucial for success, which fuels frustration and disillusionment, particularly among aspiring youth preparing for competitive exams.
  4. Despite economic concerns, supporters of the government remain optimistic about the defense industry and national projects, viewing Ankara's defense breakthroughs as a proof of self-sufficiency in a troubled region.
  5. When asked about the most promising development for Turkey in the next five years, CHP voters primarily prioritized a change in government, while AK Party supporters highlighted the defense industry as the most significant driver of optimism.
  6. The survey reveals a fractured social landscape in Turkey, characterized by rising antidepressant use among opposition supporters, youth despair, and declining trust in collective morality, creating long-lasting challenges for the country's future trajectory.

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