I am a little busy with a research project of mine and this is taking me a lot longer than I thought. The topic of my research is “Secularization of Turkey.” I had a few other topics in mind but this is what I chose in particular because I believe that The “so called” Secular Nation of Turkey is quite unique. I will tell you why I call it the “so called” Secular Nation, but that will come later. The major transforms that took place in a country with such rich historical legacy and dominantly Muslim population has amazed me. As I was researching, I came across a few questions and I would love to have your opinions on some of these:

-Can Islam and democracy co-exist?

-Should the State interfere with the religion of its people?

-How far can there be religious liberty in a secular state?

-Your opinion about Islam in Turkey.

-Some steps taken to de-Islamize Turkey in the name of secularization, I don’t know if “de-Islamize” is a correct expression but as far as you understand it’s okay.

As I said earlier, about why I think Turkey is a “so-called” Secular Nation? According to the definition of Wikipedia, a secular state is “a state or country that is officially neutral in matters of religion, neither supporting nor opposing any particular religious beliefs or practices.” Then what can we say about these changes brought about in Turkey – the headscarf ban, the change of alphabet from Arabic to Latin, introduction of Western style of clothing, Western music being taught in schools, and change of weekly holiday from Friday to Sunday?!