Secularism in modern turkey

Abstract

The subject of this thesis is the process of secularization in modern Turkey. It begins with a section reviewing the concept of secularization in sociological l literature so that the subsequent examination of the Turkish case can be seen in appropriate prospective. The second section reviews the intellectual argument current turkey at the turn of the century. The three major solutions suggested for the ill of the late Ottoman Empire are rehearsed with specific emphasis on the thought of Ziya Gokalp, by far the most influential of the thinkers at the time. This section ends with a look at the ideas of ataturk, since his views had the most profound influence on the course of socularization in the republic. The third section recounts the practical measures taken towards the goal of secularization. This begins with early military reforms in the Ottoman Empire and is followed by a review of nineteenth century reforms. It ends with a more detailed discussion of reforms implemented in the Ataturk era. The final section of the study discusses the events from the beginning of the multi-party period until the present time. The conclusion shows that secularization remains very much a live issue in Turkey today.