The Diyanet of Turkey and Its Historical Evolution

The Turkish Republic was founded inplace of Ottoman Empire which was one of the largest and longest lasting empires in history. Although Ottoman Empire was a religious state, Turkish Republic defined itself as a laic state. However, the Turkish Republic is an exeptional state among many countries established in Ottoman geography in terms of taking over military, religious, cultural and social institutions of the Empire. The transformations of these institutions from religious to secular character brought about a long-problematic process in relation to Turkish modernization. (from Tanzimat in 1839 to today). The most perfect example of this phenomenon is the Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı (the Turkish Presidency of Religious Affairs, henceforth referred to as the Diyanet). For a long time, since it was trapped religion and state, the Diyanet has been wobbling from religious to secular identity in the framework of the laic system. In comparison to other religious administrations in Ottoman Empire, it can be said that the Diyanet is only officially surviving religious institution as in spite of the historical roots partly based on Ottoman era during the last eighty-seven years. This article examines the Diyanet in relation to these aspects. I will examine historical roots, developments, and current situation of the Diyanet. I will also analyze the structure of the organization of the Diyanet, its position in Turkey’s laic system, and current different approaches about it by the Sunnis and the Alevis in Turkey.

Keywords

Diyanet, Turkey Republic, Society, Religion, State, Sheikh-ul-Islam