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Detailed Information
Title
Author
Hüseyin Emre Ceyhun
Institution
Sabanci University
Discipline/Approach...
Abstract

Using the Arab Barometer Wave I – IV data from 2007 to 2016, I measure pre- and post-Arab Spring attitudes towards democracy among Quran readers, the group most likely to form their attitudes towards democracy based on their interpretation of the holy manuscripts. After the Arab Spring, Quran readers became more likely to cite support for democracy than those who rarely read the Quran. Furthermore, those who read the Quran frequently are more likely to: a) participate in politics; b) support for gender equality; c) be tolerant to outgroup members; and d) believe that freedom of speech is one of the most important characteristics of democracy. The reason Quran readers become supportive of democracy after the Arab Spring, I argue, is related to the rise of Islamist parties and movements becoming an architecture of political environments in their countries after the Arab Spring. I find that Quran readers are more likely to support democracy if they support political Islam.

Date of Publication
Recommended citation
Ceyhun, Hüseyin Emre, Quran Reading and Arab Spring: Pro-Democratic Impact of Islamist Parties (September 7, 2018).
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