Turkey is a country where Islam has played a significant role in shaping its society over the centuries. From the arrival of Islam in the 12th century to the present day, the influence of this religion is evident in various aspects of Turkish culture, politics, and daily life. This article explores the historical and current role of Islam in Turkey, highlighting its impact on social norms, religious practices, and political ideologies. It delves into how Islam has shaped Turkish identity and provides insights into the complexities of a nation where religion and secularism coexist. Whether you are familiar with Turkish culture or curious about the interplay between Islam and society, this article offers an intriguing exploration of a topic that has shaped the nation’s past and continues to mold its future.
Historical Background
The arrival of Islam in Turkey
The history of Islam in Turkey dates back to the 11th century when the Seljuks, a Turkic Muslim dynasty, migrated from Central Asia and established their rule in Anatolia. The Seljuk Turks embraced Islam and subsequently introduced the religion to the local populace. Over time, Islam spread throughout the region, greatly influencing the culture, traditions, and way of life of the Turkish people.
The Ottoman Empire and Islam
One of the most significant periods in the history of Islam in Turkey is the reign of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire, which existed from the 14th to the early 20th century, was governed by an Islamic state system. The empire’s rulers, known as sultans, considered themselves the protectors of Islam and the custodians of the holy sites in Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. Islam was not only the state religion but also deeply ingrained in various aspects of Ottoman society, politics, and administration.
Secularization in the 20th century
In the early 20th century, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk founded the Republic of Turkey and initiated a series of sweeping reforms aimed at modernizing the country. As part of these reforms, significant secularization measures were implemented. The new Turkish state aimed to separate religion and politics by introducing a secular legal framework and abolishing the caliphate, which had symbolized the religious authority of the Ottoman Empire. While Islam remained the dominant religion, the government sought to create a more secular and Westernized society.
Religious Institutions
The Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet)
The Presidency of Religious Affairs, also known as Diyanet, is a key institution in the Turkish religious landscape. Established in 1924, Diyanet serves as the official religious authority responsible for overseeing and regulating religious practices in the country. It appoints imams, manages mosques, and provides religious guidance and education to the Turkish population. Diyanet plays a significant role in shaping the religious identity of Turkish Muslims and ensuring the practice of a moderate, government-sanctioned form of Islam.
Mosques and Imams
Mosques are not just places of worship in Turkey but also serve as social and cultural centers. They play a vital role in fostering community cohesion and providing education to the faithful. Imams, appointed by Diyanet, lead the congregational prayers, deliver sermons, and provide counseling to the community. Mosques and imams are instrumental in promoting Islamic values, organizing religious events, and preserving communal harmony among the Muslims of Turkey.
Religious Education
Religious education holds an important place in Turkish society. The government provides religious education in public schools, offering courses on Islam and the life of the Prophet Muhammad. These classes are designed to instill a basic understanding of religious principles and encourage moral development. Religious education is also provided in Islamic institutes and universities, where students can pursue advanced studies in Islamic theology and the Islamic sciences.
Islamic Law
Sharia Law and its influence on Turkish legal system
Sharia law, derived from the Quran and the teachings of Muhammad, has historically served as a guiding principle in Islamic jurisprudence. While Turkey transitioned to a secular legal system under Atatürk, remnants of Islamic law still exist within specific areas, such as family law. The influence of Sharia law can be observed in matters of marriage, divorce, inheritance, and custody. However, Turkish law has undergone significant reforms to align with Western legal systems, resulting in a hybrid legal framework that combines elements of both civil and Islamic law.
Family and Personal Status Law
Family and personal status law in Turkey is heavily influenced by Islamic principles. The Turkish Civil Code includes provisions that govern marriage, divorce, and family relations, allowing individuals to choose between civil or religious marriage contracts. Islamic law continues to play a role in areas such as polygamy and inheritance. However, modern reforms have aimed to enhance gender equality, such as granting women the right to divorce and ensuring inheritance rights for female heirs.
Islamic Banking and Finance
Islamic banking and finance have gained prominence in Turkey in recent years. Islamic banking operates under the principles of Sharia law, prohibiting charging interest (riba) and engaging in unethical financial practices. Instead, Islamic banks offer Islamic compliant products and services, such as profit-sharing partnerships (mudarabah), leasing contracts (ijara), and cost-plus financing (murabaha). With the establishment of specialized Islamic banks and financial institutions, Turkey has created an environment conducive to Islamic finance, attracting both Muslim and non-Muslim customers.
Social and Cultural Practices
Islamic holidays and traditions
Islamic holidays hold great significance for the Turkish people and are celebrated enthusiastically across the country. Major Islamic holidays include Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son. These occasions are celebrated with prayers, family gatherings, feasts, and the exchange of gifts. Traditional Turkish customs, influenced by Islamic values, are also prominent during weddings, birth celebrations, and circumcision ceremonies.
Dress code and modesty
Turkish society places value on modesty in dress, influenced by Islamic teachings. While there is no mandatory dress code, many Turkish women choose to wear modest clothing such as headscarves, long dresses, or conservative attire. Men often wear traditional garments like the “cübbe” (a long robe) or the “şalvar” (baggy trousers). These clothing choices reflect both religious observance and cultural traditions, emphasizing humility, respect, and an adherence to Islamic values.
Social customs and etiquette
Islamic teachings greatly influence social customs and etiquette in Turkish society. Respect for elders, hospitality, and a sense of community are core values emphasized in Islam and practiced by the Turkish people. Greeting others with “Salam” (peace) and the exchange of “Selamun Aleykum” (peace be upon you) is common practice. Additionally, generosity, caring for the less fortunate, and exhibiting kindness towards neighbors are highly esteemed values engrained in the fabric of Turkish society.
Political Influence
Islamic political parties
Islamic political parties have played a significant role in Turkish politics throughout the years. The Justice and Development Party (AKP), founded in 2001, has been in power since 2002 and is considered to have roots in political Islam. They have implemented policies rooted in Islamic values, such as increased religious freedom in public spaces and expanding religious education. However, the party claims to operate within the framework of the secular Turkish state and has pursued a balancing act between religion and modernity.
The rise of political Islam
The rise of political Islam in Turkey has been a subject of debate and analysis. While secularism was a fundamental principle of the Turkish Republic, the increasing appeal of political Islam has challenged this notion. Some argue that the rise of political Islam is a reflection of the growing influence of conservative religious values in Turkish society. Others see it as a response to perceived inequalities and the desire for a more robust religious identity. Understanding the dynamics of political Islam is crucial to comprehending the complexities of Turkish society and politics.
Secularism versus Islamism
Secularism and Islamism have long been at the center of the Turkish societal and political discourse. The Turkish state’s emphasis on secularism has aimed to modernize and democratize the country, promoting individual freedoms and equality. Islamism, on the other hand, seeks a more prominent role for Islam in public life and governance. The tension between these ideologies continues to shape Turkish society, with debates surrounding the balance of religious freedoms, the role of religious institutions, and the boundaries between the state and religion.
Women’s Rights
The status of women in Turkish society
The status of women in Turkish society has evolved significantly over the years, influenced by both Islamic and secular influences. While Islamic teachings emphasize gender equity and the respect of women’s rights, societal norms and interpretations have sometimes restricted women’s equal participation and opportunities. Despite this, there have been notable advancements in women’s rights, including legal reforms addressing issues such as domestic violence, gender-based discrimination, and female empowerment initiatives.
Islamic feminism
Islamic feminism has emerged as a discourse aimed at reconciling feminist principles with Islamic teachings. Islamic feminists argue for a reinterpretation of Islamic texts to challenge patriarchal norms and promote gender equality within an Islamic framework. In Turkey, Islamic feminism has gained traction among Muslim women who seek to reconcile their religious identity with their feminist aspirations. It is a dynamic movement that promotes dialogue, education, and activism to empower women and challenge gender-based discrimination.
Challenges and progress
Women’s rights continue to face both challenges and progress in Turkish society. While legal reforms and increasing educational opportunities have provided greater rights and opportunities for women, issues such as gender-based violence, honor killings, and access to healthcare persist. Balancing traditional cultural norms with the demands of a modern society continues to be a delicate task, but ongoing efforts by activists, organizations, and policymakers are working towards addressing these challenges and advancing gender equality.
Education and Science
Religious education in schools
Religious education in Turkish schools is an integral part of the curriculum. Students receive instruction in Islam, the life of the Prophet Muhammad, and ethical values. The aim is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of Islamic principles and promote moral development. However, education reforms in recent years have aimed to strike a balance between religious education and secular subjects, adapting to the evolving needs of a modern, pluralistic society.
Islamic universities and institutes
Turkey is home to several dedicated Islamic universities and institutes that offer comprehensive Islamic education and research opportunities. These institutions focus on Islamic theology, jurisprudence, and the study of Quranic sciences. Islamic universities and institutes play a significant role in shaping the religious discourse within Turkish society, fostering dialogue, research, and the training of religious scholars and intellectuals.
Science and Islam
Science and Islam have a rich history of interaction and exchange. In the Islamic tradition, knowledge and learning have been highly regarded and encouraged. Many scientific advancements were made during the Islamic Golden Age, with Muslim scholars contributing to fields such as mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and architecture. In contemporary Turkey, there is a growing movement to explore the integration of modern science and Islamic teachings, aiming to foster a scientifically literate society while maintaining Islamic values.
Art and Architecture
Islamic art and calligraphy
Islamic art and calligraphy hold a prominent place in Turkish culture and heritage. Ornate calligraphy, often depicting verses from the Quran, is an essential feature of Turkish mosques, palaces, and historic buildings. The intricate geometric patterns, arabesques, and designs found in Islamic art reflect the importance of spirituality, beauty, and symbolism in Turkish artistic expression. Islamic art is not limited to religious spaces but is also found in everyday objects, textiles, ceramics, and other forms of decorative arts.
Mosques and architectural styles
Turkish mosques are renowned for their unique architectural styles. Ottoman architecture, characterized by domes, minarets, and intricate tile work, has had a significant influence on mosque design. Iconic structures such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque stand as symbols of Turkey’s architectural heritage. These mosques not only serve as places of worship but also showcase the country’s artistic prowess and the integration of Islamic aesthetics into architectural masterpieces.
Influence of Islam on Turkish art
Islam has had a profound impact on Turkish art, serving as a source of inspiration and a central theme for many artists. Calligraphy, miniature painting, and carpet weaving are artistic traditions deeply intertwined with Islamic faith. Turkish artists have explored various mediums to express their religious devotion, cultural heritage, and social commentary influenced by Islamic values. Islamic motifs and themes continue to be prevalent in contemporary Turkish art, representing a fusion of tradition and modern artistic expression.
Minority Communities
Alevis and their unique practices
Alevis are a distinctive religious and cultural minority within Turkey. While they identify as Muslims, their beliefs and practices differ from the mainstream Sunni Islam. Alevism incorporates elements of Turkic shamanistic traditions, Sufi mysticism, and Shia Islam. Alevis place great importance on community gatherings known as cem, where prayers, music, and rituals are performed. These unique practices have helped shape the cultural identity of Alevis and contributed to the diverse religious landscape of Turkey.
Non-Muslim minorities and Islam
Turkey is home to various non-Muslim minority communities, including Christians, Jews, and others. These communities have coexisted with the dominant Muslim population for centuries, and their religious practices are protected under Turkish law. While Islam remains the majority religion, there have been historical periods of tolerance and cooperation between different religious communities. Interfaith dialogue and mutual respect contribute to Turkey’s multicultural fabric and shape an understanding of religious diversity.
Interfaith dialogue and cooperation
Embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment are important steps towards promoting harmony and understanding among different faiths. By engaging in interfaith dialogue and cooperation, we can build bridges between various beliefs and work towards a common goal of peace and cooperation. When we approach each other with open hearts and minds, we can create a world where people of all faiths can thrive together. All are essential aspects of Turkish society, aiming to foster understanding, peace, and cooperation among different religious communities. Turkish governments have supported various initiatives to promote interfaith dialogue, bringing together leaders, scholars, and practitioners from different religious backgrounds. These efforts contribute to the creation of a harmonious coexistence between different faiths and emphasize the shared values and common goals of the diverse religious communities in Turkey.
Islam and Modernity
Islamic modernism
Islamic modernism is a progressive movement that seeks to reconcile Islamic teachings with ideas of modernity, science, and social progress. It advocates for a reinterpretation of traditional Islamic thought to address contemporary challenges and foster social, political, and intellectual advancements. In Turkey, figures like Said Nursi and Fethullah Gulen have been associated with Islamic modernism and have influenced the development of social and educational movements based on Islamic principles.
Contemporary challenges and debates
Contemporary Turkey faces a range of challenges and debates regarding the role of Islam in society. Issues such as religious freedom, women’s rights, secularism, and the boundaries between religion and state continue to be points of contention. Debates surrounding the influence of political Islam, the rise of conservatism, and religious pluralism shape the socio-political landscape. Balancing the demands of a modern, democratic society with Islamic values remains an ongoing challenge for Turkish society.
The future of Islam in Turkish society
The future of Islam in Turkish society is a subject of exploration and speculation. Turkey’s unique position as a predominantly Muslim country with a secular legal system has created a dynamic and evolving religious landscape. As Turkish society continues to undergo social, cultural, and political change, the role of Islam is likely to adapt. The future could see a continued blending of Islamic and secular principles, the resurgence of Islamic values, or a transformed understanding of religion’s place in a modern, pluralistic society.
