During the time period 1999 to 2005, Turkey underwent radical changes and transformations in its political, economic, and cultural life caused by a number of historical events such as the February 2001 financial crisis, the November 2002 national elections and developments in Northern Iraq in regard to the status of the Kurdish population. These historical events played an important role in domestic and international developments in Turkey (Keyman and Aydın-Duzgit 2007: 69). The February 2001 financial crisis, which was regarded as the most severe and devastating economic crisis Turkey had faced in its contemporary history, made it clear that macroeconomic stability and sustainable economic development require a democratic, effective, and efficient government. The second crucial development in this time period was the November 2002 national elections, which resulted in the complete reordering of the political landscape. After this election, all the existing parties were swept out of parliament and the single-party, majority government of the AKP was established. Finally, the 2003 US war with Iraq and its impact on Turkey was a turning point in Turkish foreign policy and secured Turkey a place in the international arena. The Turkish parliament declared its disapproval of the war by rejecting the deployment of American troops in southeastern Turkey. After this decision, traditional Turkish reliance on US support in security issues changed and Turkey was reinforced in its orientation toward the EU. Also the war in Iraq and the developments in Northern Iraq, with regard to the status of the Kurdish population, quickened the pace of reforms in Turkey. These events certainly influenced and strongly shaped Turkey's political and social features. However, the impact of the deepening Turkey-EU relations in the course of Turkey's recognition as a candidate for full membership was also a very influential factor. The recognition of Turkey as a candidate for full EU membership during the Helsinki Summit on 10-11 December 1999 was the beginning of a new period and gave rise to significant democratic and social reforms, backed by strong societal support for the reform process and European integration (Keyman and Aydın-Duzgit 2007: 69-71). Several public opinion studies conducted during these years indicated that public support for EU membership was above 70%.