Türkiye: Concerns have turned into reality
As Türkiye entered 2023, warning signs began to turn into a reality. At the outset of 2023, six in ten people believed that a natural disaster would affect one of the major cities in the country, eight in ten believed that prices would increase faster than incomes, and one in every two people thought that 2023 would be a better year. Predictions became reality and 2023 revealed itself to be a year filled with natural disasters, economic crises, and elections.
Devastating earthquakes
Two devastating earthquakes occurred in Türkiye on February 6. The earthquake caused serious destruction and loss across the country. Many buildings were severely damaged and destroyed in more than 11 cities, home to 13 million people.
Months after the earthquake, the nation worked hard to repair the damage caused, and the public took part in activities to provide solidarity and relief to areas where it was most needed. According to the results of Ipsos Türkiye’s February 6th Kahramanmaraş Earthquake Research, two out of every three people living in other provinces wanted to contribute to the restoration of life in the areas affected by the earthquake in the coming months. This is an extraordinarily display of solidarity.
Elections
The general elections in May and June were a major occasion in the country. The current government extended its rule into a third decade by defeating their opposition in Türkiye's presidential election.
Experiencing severe inflation – and more increases are predicted
Türkiye started the year 2023 with the goal of reducing inflation, but several factors have hindered progress. The devastating earthquake in the east in February and the general elections in May and June have complicated the situation further. As a result, the original inflation targets were revised in the middle of the year and it seems that persistent inflation will continue be a challenge in 2024.
100th year of the Turkish Republic
The year 2023 means something very special for the country, because in Türkiye – which was formed in 1923 – the first 100 years of the Republic are behind us. According to an Ipsos Türkiye survey aimed at obtaining views on the fundamental elements of the Republic, more than one in two people agree that "Türkiye is a secular country; it cannot be a matter of discussion". However, one in five people did not agree with the statement.
Looking forward to Türkiye’s second century, four in ten people are pessimistic that polarization in Türkiye will end. This polarization is also evident in people’s perceptions of the extent to which democracy has been established and implemented in 100 years of the Republic. 42% say “we've succeeded”, while another 42% think it is failure. 16% of respondents prefer not to answer this question. A hundred years is not short, but it is not a long time in the history of nationhood. Türkiye is still developing as a young Republic.
Sidar Gedik
Country Manager
Ipsos in Türkiye