Religious education from the limit of laicism at the term of republic in Turkey

Social change with regard to westernization and laicism which sped up at theyears 1839-1876 in Ottoman history and continued at the term of Republic also affectedthe Turkish educational system like the other social foundations. So, as a part of thiseducational system, it?s impossible for the religious education not to be affected by thisaffection. The position of religious education has been discussed by different groups inthe process of laicism?s entrance to the constitution in 1937 and before this year up tonow. Throughout these discussions, some opinions were set forth that religiouseducation can be placed in laic system or cannot. These opinions and discussions havebeen effective in giving shape to the theory and application of religious educationespecially at formal education foundations. In this study, opinions of defenders ofreligious education?s placement in the laic system and those of it?s non-placement arewished to be brought up with their proofs.Key Words: Laicism, Education, Religious Education.