Since the establishment in 1945 of a constitutional democracy, political parties have figured prominently in Turkish politics. Yet key features of the political culture of the Turkish Republic have also created dilemmas for multi-party democracy. Twice, in 1960 and 1980 the military has intervened in politics; on the second occasion to undertake wholesale constitutional restructuring. In these ambiguous circumstances, what role have the political parties themselves played in the promotion and functioning of democracy in Turkey, and what are their attitudes to the issues involved? This collection of essays - discusses political parties since the foundation of the Turkish republic in 1923 until the present day. It contains contributions from 13 political scientists and historians of modern Turkey.