SECULARISM IS THE ASSURANCE OF SOCIETAL PEACE; IT IS THE FORCE PROPELLING US TOWARDS SCIENCE, CULTURE AND THE ARTS

SECULARISM IS THE ASSURANCE OF SOCIETAL PEACE; IT IS THE FORCE PROPELLING US TOWARDS SCIENCE, CULTURE AND THE ARTS

HAPPY APRIL 10, HAPPY SECULARISM DAY!

On April 9, 1928 a petition was made at the NationalAssembly to change the 2nd article of the constitution which stated ‘The religion of the Turkish State is Islam’. With unanimous vote the change was accepted and the decision that Turkey would be a secular state was published in the official gazette of the Republic of Turkey on April 10, 1928. Although it was not until 1937 that the constitution would be formally amended, secularism had started to be implemented in the social and political life of the country as of April 10, 1928.

In a 1930 speech, Atatürk summarised the rational of being a secular state as, “The Republic of Turkey doesn’t have an official religion.  All laws of the state are made and applied according to universal needs.  Religious thought is a matter of conscience and thus, the Republic envisions separating religious thought from affairs of the state and the world as the requirement for our nation to make progress and be guided by the principles of contemporary civilization.”

Today secularism is the basis of being a contemporary state. Secularism protects the rights and freedoms of the citizens of different religions and sects, as well of the citizens of no particular belief and the right of religious citizens to worship in peace and tranquility.  Secular thought brings improvement in sciences, culture and the arts; secularism bolsters human intelligence and creativity.

Long live Secular, Democratic and Social State of Law!

Long live the Republic of Turkey!

#10Nisan #LaiklikGünü#ÇağdaşYaşamıDesteklemeDerneği