Abstract

Atatürk's understanding of secularism is different from the applİcation in other counties. Because, Turkey İs the only country which it's population is Müslim, applies secularism. Western countries which apply secularism have a different religion, national cultures, value of life and customs from Turkey. Also, Turks in their history even before involvement with İslam and after became Müslim, have experienced the secularism in running their countries. Turkish Sultans introduced new laws and rules related to politics and social order for their need and authority rather than religious purpose. However, püre secularism has been introduced only after the col- lapse of Ottoman Empire and Turkish war of independence (1919-1922). The main features of Atatürk's secularism are: a) freedom of religion, b) not adopting any official religion for State, c) State does not make any dif- ferences between religion and sects, d) State constitutions and religious affairs are totally independent from each other. But, The Department of Religious Affairs was established by Atatürk for the special condition of Turkey. For that reason Turkish State consider religious service as civil service and has got the responsibility of administration of religious affairs and religious education of it's population. Therefore pays the expenditure of these religious service from national budget. The main purpose of this is to prevent the influence of religion on State System. Because of there is not monastic or religious men class. Leaving the administration of religious affairs to religious sects and denomination is not convenient. Because, secularism in Turkey has a vital importance to accommodate reasonable and scientific thought, to wipe out the superstitions and ignorance, to improve the respect for religion, to prevent the usage of religion for malicious pur- poses, to strengthen the social unity, to prevent the social division which is motivated by religious and denomination al differences to increase respect to and compassİon to human values, thoughts, and to carry these values in a steady increasement.