Turkey's Secular State: A Distant Memory 100 Years Later

Turks celebrated the centenary of the modern republic on Sunday with impressive fireworks and an aerial display over the Bosphorus strait, illuminating the Istanbul skyline. Naval ships sailed the renowned waterway during the day, demonstrating military strength and symbolizing the remarkable transformation of the republic since its inception following the collapse of the Ottoman empire.

In the company of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the spectacle was observed from the Vahdettin Pavilion, once the residence of the last Ottoman sultan. For Erdogan, the year 2023 signifies not only a goal but also a commitment - a vision that, under his leadership, the nation will witness unprecedented progress.

The festivities also served as a commemoration of the past century, during which Erdogan played a significant role in shaping a new era that reflects his own ideals, rather than those of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the revered and influential founding father of the republic.

Nonetheless, present-day Turkey stands in stark contrast to the Ataturk's vision of a secular and Westernized nation, as conceived a century ago.

For Erdogan's adversaries, the centennial serves as a homage to the lasting essence of the initial republic. Despite perceiving the president's persistent assaults on Ataturk's heritage, they believe that the experiment of the republic remains vibrant.

The status of the republic and its principles, a century after its proclamation, represents a crucial issue in the intensely divided society of contemporary Turkey. Prior to the festivities, Erdogan's opponents criticized him of attempting to eradicate Ataturk's legacy. Conversely, Erdogan has positioned himself as the torchbearer of Ataturk's ideals.

The Turkish republic emerged from the remains of the Ottoman Empire, with Ataturk leading the defense against potential invasions from Europe and Russia. After Istanbul fell under occupation due to the Ottoman sultan's surrender in World War I, Ataturk ventured into Anatolia to establish a new homeland, making Ankara the capital.

Ataturk's vision for the Turkish republic drew inspiration from the West, and he swiftly implemented a series of reforms to modernize a population deeply affected by war. Traditional Ottoman headgear for men, known as the fez, was banned, and the Islamic veil was discouraged as a symbol of backwardness. The Arabic script was replaced with the Latin alphabet as the written language. Remarkably, women were granted the right to vote before many European nations. Additionally, the Hagia Sophia, a landmark in Istanbul once representing Byzantine Christian rule, was transformed into a museum, symbolizing harmony and coexistence.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (1880 - 1938), president of Turkey, talks with his advisors, circa 1919.

Hulton Archive/Getty Images

A hundred years later, the country under Erdogan has taken a different path, embracing its conservative roots and finding itself new relevance in the world of nations.

The Islamic headscarf has made a prominent comeback in a state that was once highly secular and prohibited the veil in public institutions, universities, parliament, and the military. The president's wife and daughters now openly wear headscarves, and all restrictions on such attire have been lifted. Three years ago, the Hagia Sofia was converted back into a Muslim place of worship, with Erdogan's decision to repurpose it as a mosque displayed at the entrance, alongside Ataturk's previous decree to transform it into a museum.

In the previous spring, Erdogan's unexpected victory in the presidential elections extended his rule into a third decade. This solidified his position as the country's longest-serving leader and demonstrated to critics that his vision for Turkey resonates with millions, despite profound divisions among the population.

However, this vision has also caused a disconnect with a large portion of the country. With the economy in crisis and a loss of highly educated individuals, the question of who the Turkish republic truly belongs to and how it has strayed from its original vision has come to the forefront.

Regarding religion,

Turkey's most significant and long-standing issue has always revolved around the role of religion in the state and public sphere, despite the fact that the country's population is predominantly Muslim.

Following the military's removal of the government in 1997, Islamists and devout Muslims faced discrimination and persecution. Additionally, a restriction was imposed on wearing headscarves in universities and public institutions. Politicians were not allowed to openly display their religious beliefs, and Erdogan himself was even imprisoned in 1999 for reciting a religious poem while serving as the mayor of Istanbul.

Erdogan's present popularity is evident in the extent to which Turkey's devout view him as a spokesperson for those who were once unheard. Throughout the nation, his image graces the screens of numerous young men's mobile devices.

However, religion is not the sole factor; a portion of his supporters also stems from his modest beginnings.

Hailing from the vibrant neighborhood of Kasimpasa in Istanbul, he is a common man - a stark contrast to previous leaders who were influenced by the ideologies of the state, according to Soli Ozel, an International Relations professor at Kadir Has University in Istanbul, as mentioned in CNN.

Following the disastrous earthquakes in February, questions arose as to why the affected areas in central and southern Turkey, who had clear indications of government neglect, still showed their support for Erdogan and voted for him.

According to Murat Somer, a political science professor at Ozyegin University in Istanbul, people often justify their actions through religion. In times of war or disaster, the search for a strong leader becomes apparent. If there is no viable alternative, people tend to stick with the current leader, as stated by Somer. In the recent election, the opposition coalition was led by the Republican Peoples Party (CHP), which is a reiteration of the political party established by Ataturk. On the CHP's website, a quote from Ataturk highlights his two major accomplishments: the republic of Turkey and the Republican Peoples Party.

Turkeys two strongmen

Somer notes that Erdogan consistently portrays himself as the true embodiment of Ataturk. However, Ozel finds this comparison perplexing since Ataturk was a staunchly Western, secular, and non-religious individual.

The comparison not only highlights the enduring respect that Turks have for the father of their republic but also underscores the remarkable resemblance between Turkey's two authoritarian leaders.

"He governed in a manner that legitimized autocratic rule," noted Ayse Zarakol, a professor of international relations at the University of Cambridge when speaking about Ataturk. Zarakol recalls how, during her upbringing in Turkey, there was a prevailing sentiment that the nation required a solitary figure to save it.

However, Ataturk had a unique vision for the governance of his nation. Following the period of Westernization, the country transitioned to a multi-party democracy in 1938. Unfortunately, the Republican Peoples Party, helmed by Ismet Inonu, Ataturk's trusted comrade and dear friend, experienced defeat in the 1950 elections. Nonetheless, the power shift occurred peacefully and in accordance with democratic principles. According to Somer, Ataturk aimed to establish the fundamentals of democracy.

In 2017, Turkey conducted a referendum to replace its long-standing parliamentary system with a new presidential one, which resulted in the consolidation of state control and the elimination of numerous previously existing checks on executive power.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accompanied by state officials, visit Anitkabir in Ankara on Sunday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic.

Somer pointed out that one reason why the country appears significantly different from 100 years ago is due to the aftermath of the First World War. Turkish society was deeply divided and defeated at that time. However, today Turkey has become more prosperous, yet this polarization is caused by the divisions that emerged during that period. Somer expressed uncertainty about whether the majority of Turkish society truly embraces the current government.

On the other hand, Zarakol hesitated to claim that Turkish society has undergone a collective shift. She stated that conservative elements have always existed in the society. The only distinction now is that with the government's control over the media, such conservative views have become more visible. Zarakol drew a parallel to the situation in the 1970s, when the secularists faced similar challenges.

A lasting legacy

Ozel points out that the increasing visibility can be attributed to the emergence of the middle class in the country. According to Ozel, as the conservative capitalists expanded and relocated from rural areas to urban centers, Erdogan acknowledged and adapted to these shifting demographics.

Nevertheless, the allure of Westernization has lost its previous allure in the present day, according to Ozel. This is due to the fact that during the last century, there was no alternative model available. The global landscape no longer revolves around Europe as it used to, and as a result, "peripheral powers" have gained significant importance.

Analysts suggest that what Ataturk would have been most proud of in today's Turkey is its increasing influence on the global stage. Erdogan, on the other hand, is carrying forward this legacy but with a markedly different form of nationalism.

Turkey is a vital member of NATO and has played a pivotal role in facilitating diplomatic discussions between Russia and Ukraine. Its advantageous geographic position grants it control over access to the Black Sea, serving as a crucial gateway for trade between the East and West, as well as a mediator in conflicts within the Middle East.

Following the revelation of an assassination plot against him in 1926, Ataturk addressed his nation with the enduring belief that while his physical existence may perish, the Turkish republic will endure eternally.