THE ROLE OF ISLAM IN CONTEMPORARY TURKEY

The paper covers the role Islam plays in Turkey at the beginning of the 21st century. First, it describes the connection between Islam and the state. The present constitution declares that Turkey is a secular state; however, it is more proper to speak about laicism than secularism in Turkey. The strong relations between the state and the religion indicate that Islam is, in fact, the state religion. Islam is also protected by the state through its institutions. Moreover, the Islamic law has a certain impact on the Turkish Civil Code. Further, the article shows the problem of 're-Islamisation' in Turkey. Laicism is up to now one of the principles of the constitutional order and socio-political system of Turkey but Islam still plays an important role in various areas of life of the citizens. The article describes the development of religious education, the growing number of mosques and the activity of religious movements and organizations. Finally, it shows the importance of Islam in everyday life of Turks, especially the inhabitants of villages and small towns.