Islam and the Constitution in Turkey: The Struggle of Islamic Law under the Shadow of Secularism
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63306/zy9hfm50Keywords:
Islamic law, secularism, Turkish constitution, Islamist partyAbstract
The transformation of Islamic law in Turkey underwent significant changes after the adoption of secularism by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in the early 20th century. The legal reforms undertaken led to the separation of religion from the state, removing the Islamic legal system from the constitution, and replacing it with civil law based on Western models. However, in recent decades, the rise of Islamist parties, especially the Justice and Development Party (AKP), has created a new dynamic in the interaction between secularism and Islamic law. This research aims to analyze the transformation of Islamic law in the Turkish constitution, the challenges and opportunities of integrating elements of Islamic law in the modern legal system. Using a qualitative approach based on literature study, this research examines constitutional changes, socio-political dynamics, and implications for the future of Islamic law in Turkey. The results show that although Islamic law does not have a formal position in the Turkish legal system, more flexible policies towards religious expression have provided space for the reinterpretation of Islamic law in social and educational aspects. This study contributes to understanding the complex relationship between secularism and Islam in a country with a strong historical background in both aspects.
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