I. Historical Background
During the Ottoman Empire (13th – 20th century) the concept of theocracy was predominant. The millet system, however, allowed non-muslim ethno-religious groups, to handle them-selves by having their own jurisdiction and taxes and so on. The only requirement was loyalty to the Empire.
The Ottoman Empire entered World War I in 1914 through the Ottoman-German Alliance and was defeated. The Empire was to be subdivided and become parts of the Allies according to the Treaty of Sévres (1920). This development prompted the rise of resistance and lead to the Turkish War of Independence. Its victorious leader, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, became the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey.
In 1923 the Republic of Turkey was founded and recognised as the successor state of the Ottoman Empire by the international community. The Treaty of Lausanne (1923) revised the regulations of the Treaty of Sévres in favour of Turkey.
Atatürk introduced many reforms, the most important one probably secularising Turkey.
Turkey entered World War II Turkey on the side of the Allies in 1945.
II. Social Facts
About 98 % of the population is Muslim. Other denominations include various Christian denominations, Judaism and Yezidism.[1]
III. Basic Categories of the System
The Republic of Turkey is a secular state.[2] There is no official state religion. However, the state monitors religious activity. The Presidency of Religious Affairs, which roots can be found in the Ottoman Empire, was created and given the mandate to inform society on religion, administer places of worship and carry out various other tasks concerned with faith, worship and moral principles.[3] It is a public institution, located within the state organisation.[4] The relationship between state and church is based on mutual respect and balance.[5]
The Presidency of Religious Affairs would seem to contradict secularism. But taking into consideration that religion does not dominate state affairs and that freedom of religion is guaranteed, the Presidency of Religious Affairs can be seen as a valuable tool to fulfil the supervisory power of the state over religious rights and liberties.[6]
IV. Cultural and societal exercise of functions
The Presidency of Religious Affairs is involved in several charity programmes, helping people who are suffering from disasters, giving moral support to prisoners and supporting the handicapped by adapting mosques to make it easier for them to attend services.
V. Legal foundations
According to Article 2 of the Constitution, Turkey is a secular State. Article 24 guarantees the freedom of conscience and religious belief and conviction. Education and instruction in religion is subject to state supervision and control.
Article 136 establishes the Presidency of Religious Affairs in accordance with the principle of secularism.[7]