Turkey—Islam Relationship Is Not What You Think

Turkey, a country at the crossroads of East and West, has long been a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and religions, contributing to its complex relationship with religion, particularly Islam, the religion of the vast majority at birth due to state policies. However, beneath the surface of these official records, the religious landscape of Turkey is far more nuanced and diverse than it might appear.

Statistical Overview of Religious Affiliation

The Turkish state records the religion of individuals at birth based on their parents’ faith, leading to an official figure that categorizes virtually the whole population as Muslim. However, this surface-level statistic, which makes no difference in anyone’s life, masks the country’s complex tapestry of belief and non-belief. Almost no one is concerned about the accuracy of this data, and most people who are incorrectly registered believe that it is none of the state’s business that they believe or disbelieve, leaving the registration as is.

However, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute, although a significant portion of the population is registered as Muslim, there is a growing trend of religious reidentification among the younger generations, which the Pew Research Center agrees.

A comprehensive study conducted by the Pew Research Center reveals that the percentage of individuals identifying as atheists or deists is rising at approximately 6%, a notable increase from previous decades, signaling a gradual but significant shift in religious attitudes.

The Spectrum of Belief Within Islam

Turkey is not just another Muslim-majority country. Delving deeper into the beliefs of Turks who identify as Muslim, it becomes evident that there is a broad spectrum of religious practice and interpretation. A national survey found that while a majority of Muslims in Turkey express belief in core Islamic tenets, there is considerable variation in the observance of traditional practices. For instance, the percentage of Muslims who regularly perform the five daily prayers along with Mosque attendance is significantly lower than might be expected, suggesting a more personalized approach to religious practice.

Moreover, the same survey indicates that a significant number of Muslims in Turkey do not see adherence to traditional practices such as fasting during Ramadan or regular mosque attendance as essential to their faith, highlighting a broader trend towards a more individualized form of Islam, which prioritizes personal belief and moral values over strict ritual observance.

Secularism, Atheism, and the Public Sphere

The distinction between secularism and atheism is crucial in the Turkish context. While secularism advocates for the separation of religion from public life, it does not inherently reject the presence of religious beliefs within society. This nuanced understanding of secularism allows for diverse religious expressions and beliefs, including those that may not fit neatly into traditional categories. It’s a perspective that acknowledges the complexity of faith in the modern world, where ancient scriptures may not directly address the challenges of contemporary life.

Statistical data support this trend, with more Turks supporting secular values, including the separation of religion and state. A survey by the Education and Science Workers Union (Eğitim-Sen) found that a majority of respondents favored maintaining Turkey’s secular education system, reflecting a broader societal preference for keeping religious beliefs out of public institutions.

Atheism Has No Place in Politics

While there are numerous openly atheist Turkish thinkers, journalists, writers, and artists, some of whom are considered national treasures, atheism in Turkish politics is unheard of. This may have several reasons, but the biggest is perhaps that secularist atheists would see discussing atheism publicly and advocating for political changes as contradictory to secular values. Additionally, they may believe that being openly atheist would make them appear biased and hinder their ability to advocate for secularism since the main message of Turkish secularists is that atheism and secularism are unrelated.

On the other hand, populist populations would likely aim to make any attempts by an openly atheist politician to enforce secularist principles seem like a war against Islam.

Ultimately, thanks to the fact that Muslim secularist politicians aim to keep religion personal and private, separate from politics. As a result, Muslim secularists and atheist secularists are largely indistinguishable, and atheist secularists believe they do not have to advocate for secularism on their own since secularism is to protect everyone.

The Road Ahead: Projecting Future Trends

Given the current statistical trends, it is plausible to project that the number of individuals identifying as atheists, deists, or non-traditional Muslims will continue to grow. This reflects a global trend of religious disaffiliation, particularly among younger generations who often prioritize personal experience and scientific understanding over traditional religious authority. My personal view is that more and more Turks leave organized religion altogether and identify themselves as deists.

Turkish Deism

Deism is a philosophical and religious viewpoint that posits the existence of a supreme being or creator, often referred to as “God,” based on reason and observation of the natural world rather than on revelation or religious scripture. Deists typically believe that this supreme being created the universe and set it in motion but does not intervene in its affairs through miracles or divine revelation. Instead, deists argue that the natural world operates according to rational laws established by this creator.

Deism emerged during the Enlightenment period in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries and was influential among many intellectuals, including thinkers like Voltaire, Thomas Paine, and Thomas Jefferson.

It is not surprising that the Turkish flavor of deism is unconventional. Individuals who identify themselves as deists in Turkey typically believe in a creator who may or may not intervene in the day-to-day workings of the universe, allowing prayer as a final option. Moreover, Turkish deists often think that humans are put to the test in this world. Any action that harms others or any inaction that contradicts common decency is considered a ‘sin.’

In a Nutshell

As depicted through statistical data, Turkey’s evolving religious landscape illustrates a complex interplay of traditional beliefs, secular values, and a growing inclination towards personal spirituality, suggesting a future in which Turkey’s religious identity will be increasingly characterized by diversity, pluralism, and individual choice, challenging conventional narratives and paving the way for a more inclusive understanding of faith in the modern world.