In the last few years the Arab world has shown a renewed fascination for Turkey. Is this the result of a foreign policy that disguises “neo-Ottoman” ambitions? It is not just that. Exporting soap operas and cultural models that are fashionable from Syria to Morocco, the nation governed by Erdogan’s party is a successful example of democratic and republican Islam. But can the Turkish model still work now that the democratic awakening has truly turned many Arab countries on their heads? And under what conditions?