The transformation of the understanding of laicism in turkey: the case of Ali Fuat Başgil

In this study, the understanding and transformation of secularism in Turkish society is analyzed within the framework of Ali Fuat Başgil's understanding of religion and secularism. The aim of this study is to reveal the role of Ali Fuat Başgil in the transformation of the understanding of secularism in Turkish society by discussing the historical development of secularism in Turkey in the light of the developments since the Ottoman Empire and modernization movements. Morever, another aim of this study is to reveal that which institutions are to ensure the secularism, freedom of religion and all other religions in a democratic state of law. Considering the studies on Başgil's understanding of secularism and religion, it is seen that the secularism model he put forward is examined systematically, but what will keep this secular system alive in a democratic state of law and which institutions will guarantee freedoms are not mentioned. In this respect, this study is important in terms of making up the deficiencies in the field and contributing to the discussions. In the study, as a method, document review, as one of the qualitative research methods is used. The data obtained is analyzed and categorized in accordance with the objectives of the research. In the light of these data obtained, it is concluded that secularism is not irreligiousness but has varieties depends on the country and that secularism it is the guarantee of freedoms in the religious field; especially in worship, faith, publication, education and instruction. It is seen that religion and the state can coexist without interfering with each other's freedoms and sovereignty. In democratic systems, it is seen that it is not enough to define secularism and freedom of religion by law in order to ensure freedoms, and that the Constitutional Court is the most important institution to protect freedoms against the ideological government system that holds the power of the majority. In this study, the importance of both theoretical and practical suggestions and analyzes put forward by Başgil's ideas, works and struggle for the past, present and future is emphasized. Keywords: Religion, Secularism, Constitutional Court, Freedom of Religion, Ali Fuat Başgil