WASHINGTON: As Turkey prepares to vote for its first ever directly elected president, a new US survey says the Turks are divided over the current government’s efforts to amplify the country’s Islamic features.

But there is also a sharp dip in the pularity of the once all-powerful Turkish military.

An overwhelming majority (69 per cent) says that Islam plays a large role in the political life of Turkey, with 26pc saying it plays a small role.

Since 2005, six-in-ten or more have said Islam is a major force in Turkish politics. However, in 2002, prior to Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s election as prime minister, the public was split: 45pc said Islam played a large role, while 43pc said a small role.

The leader responsible for the resurgence of Turkey’s Islamic identity — current Prime Minister Erdogan — is the main contender for the president’s office. Most observers expect Mr Erdogan to win the Aug. 10 election.

The survey by the Washington-based Pew Research Centre, however, shows that Turks are almost evenly split between those who are happy with Mr Erdogan’s leadership and the state of the nation, and those who believe the former Istanbul mayor is leading the country down the wrong path.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2014