Religion and Spirituality:
Religious Life
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The population of Turkey is 99% Moslem. The remaining 1% is composed of Orthodox Christians, Jews, Catholics, Protestants and other Christian denominations. There is religious freedom in the country. No one can be forced to worship or participate in religious ceremonies and rites, or to reveal religious beliefs and convictions. No one can be blamed for or accused because of his or her religious beliefs and convictions.
Islam attaches great importance to tolerance. As a matter of fact, religious tolerance which has been observed in the western world only after the 17th century, had already existed in Turkish society and was due to the tolerance observed in Islam. During Seljuk and Ottoman rule, Christians living in Anatolia and Rumelia were always free to worship as they pleased. In the 15th century, the Jews who suffered oppression and cruelty at the Inquisition Courts in Spain found shelter in Turkey.
Secularism
Secularism is one of the basic principles of the Republic of Turkey. Turkey is the only country among Islamic countries which has included secularism in her Constitution and practices it. With the abolition of the Caliphate and the Ministry of Shariah (Islamic Law) and Foundations, on March 3, 1924 during the Republic era, and the unification of education and justice, significant steps were taken on the path to secularism. These steps were followed by other steps such as the Hat Reform, closure of dervish lodges and retreats, changing the weekly holiday from Friday to Sunday, and the adoption of the Latin alphabet and the Gregorian calendar. Finally, with an amendment put into practice with Law No. 3115 dated February 5, 1937, "secularism" became a constitutional principle.
Directorate of Religious Affairs
Religious affairs in the secular Republic of Turkey are organized within the structure of the state, under a central administration. With the abolition of the Caliphate on March 3, 1924, the "Directorate of Religious Affairs" which is responsible for the administration of religious affairs was formed within the state structure, as an organization attached to the Prime Ministry. The function of this organization is to carry out activities related to the beliefs of the Islamic religion; the principles of worship and morality; to enlighten society on the subject of religious issues, and to manage the places of worship. The organization of the Directorate of Religious Affairs, with its present functional structure is composed of central and rural organizations and its organizations abroad. With its staff of more than 80,000 people, its task is to assist Muslim Turkish citizens in Turkey and abroad, in fulfilling their religious obligations.
In order to develop the services rendered, the 1st Religious Council was held in 1993 with the participation of approximately 200 men of science and religion, who are known in Turkey and abroad for their scientific expertise and services to religion. In 1998, the 2nd Religious Council was held with the participation of 235 men of science and religion from Turkey and abroad. At the 2nd Council, the issues of interfaith relations, and problems and solutions of different religious interpretations were discussed and decisions were taken.
Five Eurasia Islamic Council Organizations meetings were held with the participation of the religious leaders of the Turkishspeaking Republics, the Balkan-Caucasus countries and Turkish and Muslim societies. At these meetings, religious services available in member countries were evaluated; the issue of cooperation in the religious field was expressed, and important decisions were taken to enhance historical, religious, national and cultural bonds.
In this context, for the purposes of contributing to the country's harmonization process with the European Union (EU), which began with the 1999 Helsinki Summit and reinforcing interfaith dialogue, the "International European Union Council" was held in İstanbul between May 3-7, 2000. The "Tarsus Declaration" unanimously signed by all the religious leaders in the country at the end of the "Meeting on Religions in the Era of Faith and Tolerance" held in Tarsus between May 10-11, 2000, is a historical document because of its recommendations and resolutions which will contribute to world peace.
"The Meeting for the Discussion of Current Religious Issues" was held in İstanbul between May 15-18, 2002, with the participation of nearly 100 scientific and religious experts who had undertaken important academic research in this field. The aim of the meeting was to resolve religious issues that are frequently discussed in Turkey; to solve the problems faced in religious life, and to develop a unified perspective through which the public can be enlightened on religious matters. The subjects were as follows: "Traditionalist and Modernist Trends in the Correct Interpretation and Comprehension of Religious Texts and the Social Manifestations of These"; "Religious Issues Concerning Problems of Women in the Contemporary World"; "Discussions about Religious Pilgrimages", and "Contemporary Issues Concerning Worship". These subjects were dealt with in four separate sessions and the decisions taken were documented in a final declaration.
