Turkish Secularism through the Ages: From Separation to a Religious Free State

Abstract

Early modern Turkey embarked on a process of secularisation aimed at separating the state from religious influence. However, despite the marginalisation of Islam, religion remains a significant social force in the country. This raises a number of key questions: What is the nature of Turkish secularism? How can religion have an influence in the context of a secular state? And what are the forms and orientations of secularism in Turkey? This research aims to answer these questions through a comprehensive study of the idea, history, and orientation of secularism in Turkey. The research method is conducted by reviewing documents and previous studies related to Turkish secularism, with critical and chronological analyses from the beginning of its implementation to the current period. The findings show that Turkish secularism initially did not simply separate the state from religion, but rather positioned the state as a controller of religion. The harsh nature of this approach led to the emergence of a more liberal version of secularism, which was in line with democratic principles and freed religion from strict state control. Turkish secularism under the current regime is different from the previous one, characterised by the more visible manifestation of religion (Islam) in the public sphere, although the state still maintains its secular principles. This research argues that Turkey’s current model of secularism has the potential to be a reference for other Muslim countries that are still facing conflicts over the relationship between religion and the state.