secularization of turkey
Before World War 1, the Ottoman Empire controlled Turkey and made religion a dominating force in society. Society had to follow the set Muslim rules stated in the Quran. These writings were sacred in many ways, however schools taught students about Muslim history and culture. After the war, the Ottoman Empire collapsed in 1918, and nationalism brought immense changes to the Middle East. The Ottoman Empire no longer controlled or influenced nations in the Middle East and new governments formed because of this. These new and improved governments created new policies and laws in hopes of modernizing and westernizing Iran and Turkey. A new nationalist regime claimed power and abolished religious leadership. This lead to the first religious and spiritual ruler that did not have any authority in the Middle East. In 1923, Kemal Ataturk came into power. He was a bold leader who created reforms that modernized Turkey and diminished the role of religion in everyday life. This was followed by a thorough secularization, to separate from religious or spiritual connection or influences and modernization of the administration, with particular focus on the education system. Since religion was such a compelling factor, many rejected the new secular government and disagreed with Ataturk’s beliefs. However, others thought that Ataturk was a hero because of his many strong reforms towards Turkey. Although Quran and Islamic customs provided guidance and order for the people, many thought Ataturk helped modernize and secularize the nation, making Turkey more efficient and powerful than ever before.
Review Questions:
1) What was the main reason for the secularization of Turkey?
2) What impact did Mustafa Kemal Ataturk have on Turkey?
3) Define secularization.
Citations:
-"Secularism in Turkey: Stronger than Ever?" The Brookings Institution. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2013.
-BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2013.
-"Mustafa Kemal Ataturk." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2013. Web. 10 Mar. 2013.
Primary Source:
"File:Flag of Turkey.svg." - Wikimedia Commons. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2013.
Review Questions:
1) What was the main reason for the secularization of Turkey?
2) What impact did Mustafa Kemal Ataturk have on Turkey?
3) Define secularization.
Citations:
-"Secularism in Turkey: Stronger than Ever?" The Brookings Institution. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2013.
-BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2013.
-"Mustafa Kemal Ataturk." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2013. Web. 10 Mar. 2013.
Primary Source:
"File:Flag of Turkey.svg." - Wikimedia Commons. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2013.