Conclusion

This Chapter serves as a conclusion. It summarizes the research findings regarding the standing of the principle of secularism in the 1982 Constitution, the shortcomings in the constitutional and statutory framework along with the judicial approach that affect the proper implementation of the principle. Also, it elaborates proposals for enforcing the principle. Concerning the future of Turkish secularism, it concludes that pro-religious policies pursued by the AKP government during its nearly 20-year rule has expanded the place of religion in the public sphere weakening the principle of secularism. This current political tendency has intensified the worries about the future of Turkish secularism and caused spread of pessimistic speculations. Given that, the Chapter refers to the results of social surveys and studies which indicate the increase in resistance against the religious patriarchalism among the younger generation and the decrease in personal piety. In fact, the Chapter emphasizes that for Turkey, there is no reliable option other than the secular democratic constitutional framework. This framework can be protected and strengthened only by enforcing the independency and impartiality of the judiciary.