Tag Archives: Turkish secularism

The Abstract Caliphate: Modernism, Secularism and the Abolition of the Caliphate in Turkey

Published on March 3rd of 1924, this article in the Times of London begins by stating, “The motion for the abolition of the Caliphate was passed in the Grand National Assembly today after a stormy debate.” This momentous decision marked … Continue reading

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Islam and Modern Turkey

In his discussion of the impacts of modernity on religion, John Wilson aptly states that the changes observed in religions’ response to modernity “by no means run in one direction only”[1]. This is certainly the case for manifestations of Islam … Continue reading

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Turkey: Can a Unique Democracy be Accepted?

According to Charles Kurzman secularism is a “concept in many Muslim communities, where it is associated with atheism and Western cultural imperialism” (Kurzman, 615). Kurzman summarizes the idea present amongst Muslims that secularism as a uniquely European ideology that has come … Continue reading

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The Failure of the AKP

The question of whether or not religion and democracy can coexist on a secular plane without infringing on the natural rights of the public has been a main source of contention for the modern world. The AK Party (Adalet ve … Continue reading

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Turkish Modernity and Gender

Turkish modernity is neither religious nor secular. Pinar Ilkkaracan’s work is an example of the actualization of this complicated dichotomy shown through the actions of both the Turkish government and its citizens. Pinar Ilkkaracan is one of Turkey’s leading activists … Continue reading

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Lived Subjectivity and Veiling in Turkey

The veil is the most visible symbol of Islam and as such has been subject to much debate. In the following post, I attempt to move away from the problematic discourse of “veiling controversies”― which suggest a good and a … Continue reading

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Turkey: (How) Has the Secular Changed?

As scholars of religion, when we think of “secularism,” we think of an institution, state, or body that is overtly non-religious. When we hear that term ascribed to something, we are expecting the exact opposite of what we have come … Continue reading

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