Özlem Madi-Sisman 
Muslims, Money, and Democracy in Turkey 
Reluctant Capitalists

This book contextualizes the rise of a neo-Islamic Turkish bourgeoisie class with a particular reference to the relationship between Islam and Capitalism, and makes the argument for their ultimate compatibility . Additionally, the claim is made that the formation of this new socio-economic class has been detrimental to Turkey’s efforts to consolidate its democracy.  In order to analyze these processes, an Islamic-oriented young business group, Economic Entrepreneurship and Business Ethic Association (IGIAD), was taken as a case study. Drawing on fieldwork in examining IGIAD’S mission, vision, and activities, the book argues that such associations were born as a response to increasing tension between capitalism and Islam, with the aim of creating a ‘moral’ economy within global capitalism. 

Table of Content

Chapter 1: Introduction.- Chapter 2: (In)compatibility of Islam and Capitalism: A Historical Perspective.- Chapter 3: Emergence of Neo-Islamic Economic Capital in Turkey.- Chapter 4: Emergence of Neo-Islamic Political Capital in Turkey.- Chapter 5: Emergence of Neo-Islamic Cultural Capital in Turkey.- Chapter 6: From Islamic Radicalism to Islamic Capitalism: The Case of İGİAD.- Chapter 7: Islamic Capitalism and its Discontents.- Chapter 8: Conclusion.

About the author

Dr. Madi-Sisman is an Adjunct Faculty member of the University of Houston-Clear Lake, US. She previously served as an Adjunct Prof. of International Relations at Bahcesehir University, Turkey. Her research and publications are informed by her deep interest in Islam, Capitalism, Islamic Bourgeois, gender and Turkish and Middle Eastern politics.