The Presidency of Religious Affairs and education services

The Presidency of Religious Affairs is not a novelty in Turkey; its roots can be found in Otoman history. The Presidency, which is a modern expression of our culture and civilization, can be associated with the past in this regard. It is not exactly a continuation of the Otoman institution of Şeyhulislamlık (the Office of the Sheikhu?l-Islam). Because the Presidency differs in terms of structural from Şeyhulislamlık, which Religious education-management and justice were the major areas of activity for its. In the Republican period, all of its functions were separated. Then, for religious affairs In the first periods, Ministry of Şer?iye and Evkaf was founded.The Presidency of Religious Affairs was established on 3 March 1924. It is one of the first and primary organizations founded by the Turkish Parliament on the ground of fundamental principles of the republican regime, during the War of Independence. Its first aim was to make people well-informed about religious issues on the one hand, and to carry out the religious services within a sound knowledge as well as properly maintained public unity and order on the other.Currently, the Presidency puts into practice a lot of efficiencies and gives public service on religious issues. Particularly, in the field of education the Presidency carries out general religious education in mosques, Qur?anic Courses, prison and so on.This thesis deals with the construction and educative works of the Presidency. The first part of this this study aimed to explaine the Presidency from beginning days to present-day. It is examined the religious services in Ottoman period, the foundation of the Presidency, stages of its until now and its organizational construction.In the second part, it is is examined the major religious educational services carried out in mosques, Qur?anic Courses, Centers of Education, prisons and abroad.Key Words: The Presidency of Religious Affairs, religious education, religious services.