Religion and Politics in Modern Turkey

This study is primarily concerned with the power struggle that has taken place in Turkey over the last two hundred years. In particular, the research will focus on the last seventy-five years instead of the entire two hundred year period due to the author's recognition of the Republican period as a more visible stage to demonstrate changes in the relations between politics and religion. Throughout the Republican period since 1923, Turkish society can be defined as laicists and Islamists. This study will answer the questions about what the relation between religion and politics in Turkey is and how a mutually acceptable basis for peaceful coexistence in the country can be achieved? The relevance of the study of the role and place of religion in the modern political system of Turkey is essential for understanding the alignment of political forces in this country and the prospects for its development. Moreover, until now the secularity of Turkey continues to be the subject of scientific discussions, therefore the analysis of the religious factor in Turkey and its role in the implementation of reforms contributes to a more detailed and voluminous vision of this phenomenon. The main purpose of this project is to analyze the role of religion in the political system of Turkey. First of all, consider the peculiarities and role of the religious factor in the social and political life of Turkey within the framework of the political system laid down by Atatürk. Then, provide a comprehensive understanding of the basis and specifics of the policy pursued with regard to the religious minorities of modern Turkey. Next, analyze the political parties of the Republic of Turkey and their attitude to religion as an instrument of power. Finally, identify the factors that contribute to the development of Turkey’s international relations with Arab countries in the context of religious community.