Continuity and Change in the Development of the Turkish Secularism

Abstract

The study explores the specifics of the Turkish secularism as compared to
the general definition of the concept of secularism. By analysing the
political and social development of modern Turkey, the author
demonstrates the transformation of the Turkish secularism in the face of
political and social pressures. From the study's point of view the Turkish
secularism does not represent a static phenomen by any means, but it is
rather a changing concept and policy which was profoundly influenced by
the notions of Kemalist modernisation and Turkish nationalism above all
else. The study presumes that the Turkish secularism remains subject to
change and adaptation as these concepts evolve and possibly lose their
significance at the cost of other political concepts gaining in significance.