Turkey and the European Tent – Part I

Yale Global

"Turkey and the European Tent – Part I
Opening the door to Ankara is a win-win for both the European Union and Turkey

Shada Islam
YaleGlobal, 11 October 2005

BRUSSELS: Years from now, historians looking back at the evolution of the European continent might consider October 3 a landmark. On that day, the start of negotiations on Turkey's membership in the European Union marked a triumph for reformists who have battled long and hard to whip the country into shape for EU entry. The talks signal the opening of EU doors for the first time to a predominantly Muslim country – albeit one with a secular constitution – and represent a new political maturity, ever since Spain's Catholic monarchy stamped out the last Islamic rule from the European continent in the 15th century. It marked a victory for European policymakers who reject the notion of the EU as a Christian club and of religion as a dividing force between people. But it was not an unalloyed victory, as significant obstacles remain in the path of transforming the dream of a truly secular multi-religious Europe into a reality."