saadetistes

Saadetistes are adherents or supporters of the Saadet Partisi (Felicity Party), a Turkish political party established in 2001 as the political continuation of the Milli Görüş movement and the successor to the banned Welfare Party. The term is used by some commentators and in English-language summaries to denote the party's followers, though it is not a formal label used by the party itself.

Ideology: The Saadet Party is characterized by socially conservative, Islamist-leaning positions, emphasizing religious education, family values, and a welfare-oriented economic model. It promotes a market economy tempered by social justice measures and advocates for a greater role of religious values in public life while operating within Turkey's constitutional framework. The party positions itself as a more moderate, technocratic alternative within the Islamist spectrum and seeks to appeal to voters seeking moral governance and social welfare.

History: The party traces its lineage to the Welfare Party's dissolution and the continuing Milli Görüş network, with the Saadet Partisi founded in 2001. It has participated in national and local elections since then, generally securing a small share of votes and serving as a minority voice in Turkish politics. It has occasionally engaged in alliances with other conservative or Islamist groups.

Organization and influence: Saadetistes are organized through regional branches and associated youth and women’s wings, and the Saadet Party maintains links with charitable, educational, and media activities connected to the Milli Görüş movement.