Delectation or Hegemony: Turkey's Religious Actors in South Eastern Europe and Central Asia

Under the AKP Government, Turkey sought to increase its influence in South-Eastern Europe and Central Asia by emphasizing historic, religious, and kinship ties. The Diyanet, the Turkish Presidency for Religious Affairs, is a key player in this process. There are Muslims in South-Eastern Europe and Central Asia who welcome the support of the Diyanet. Others, however, resist the strong interference of Turkish religious actors.