Secularity and Secularism in Turkiye: History, Principles and Society

Turkey is a country where religion, history, and modern state institutions have developed through a unique historical process. Although the majority of Turkey’s population is Muslim, the country is also home to various religious communities, including Orthodox Christians, Armenian Apostolic (Gregorian) Christians, Catholics, Protestants, Syriac Christians, Jews, and other faith groups.

The Republic of Turkey defines itself as a secular state, meaning that state institutions are based on civil law rather than religious law, and citizens have the constitutional right to freedom of religion, belief, and conscience.

The Development of Secularism in Turkey

The foundations of modern Turkish secularism were established during the transformation from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic of Turkey in the early 20th century.

After the Ottoman Empire came to an end following World War I, the Turkish War of Independence led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk resulted in the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. The new republic introduced a series of political, legal, and social reforms aimed at creating a modern nation-state based on contemporary institutions.

One of the central principles of these reforms was laiklik (Turkish secularism), which sought to separate religious authority from state administration while guaranteeing freedom of belief.

Major Steps Toward Secularism

Several important reforms shaped Turkey’s secular state structure:

Abolition of the Caliphate (1924)

On 3 March 1924, the Caliphate was abolished, ending the Ottoman institution that represented political and religious authority under the Ottoman system.

At the same time:

• Religious courts were replaced by a unified civil legal system.
• The education system was unified under state control.
• Religious and educational institutions were reorganized.

These changes marked a major transition toward a modern state structure.

Social and Legal Reforms

Other reforms introduced during the early Republican period included:

• Adoption of the Latin alphabet (1928)
• Adoption of the Gregorian calendar
• Changes to clothing regulations, including the Hat Reform
• Modernization of legal institutions
• Closure of religious orders and lodges (tekke and zaviye) in 1925
• Changing the official weekly holiday from Friday to Sunday

In 1937, secularism was officially added as one of the fundamental principles of the Turkish Constitution.

Freedom of Religion and Belief

Secularism in Turkey is based on the principle that citizens have freedom of conscience and religion. The Constitution protects the right of individuals to:

• Practice their religion freely
• Choose their beliefs
• Have no religious belief
• Participate or not participate in religious practices according to personal choice

Religious discrimination based on personal beliefs is prohibited by law.

The Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet)

Following the abolition of the Caliphate, the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı) was established in 1924 as a state institution responsible for organizing religious services related mainly to Islam.

Its responsibilities include:

• Managing mosques
• Providing religious services
• Preparing educational and informational materials about Islam
• Supporting religious affairs for Turkish citizens at home and abroad

The institution operates through central offices, provincial and district organizations, and representatives abroad.

Secularism in Contemporary Turkey

Secularism remains one of the fundamental principles of the Republic of Turkey, although discussions about the relationship between religion, society, and the state continue to be part of public debate.

Modern Turkish society includes a wide range of perspectives, from highly secular lifestyles to more traditional religious practices. The balance between secular state institutions and religious expression remains an important topic in Turkish social and political life.

Religion and Daily Life

Despite the secular structure of the state, religion continues to influence many aspects of cultural life in Turkey, including:

• Religious holidays such as Ramadan and Eid celebrations
• Family traditions
• Architecture and historical heritage
• Food culture
• Social customs

Visitors to Turkey will encounter a society where modern urban lifestyles, traditional customs, and religious practices exist together.

Conclusion

Turkey’s model of secularism represents a distinctive historical experience shaped by the transition from the Ottoman Empire to a modern republic. The country combines a predominantly Muslim population with a constitutional secular state system, creating a social environment where religion, culture, and modern institutions interact in complex and evolving ways.