Illustrated Republic Religion Book (Book)

Illustrated Republic Book of Religion, authored by Prof. Dr. İsmail Kara, is published by Dergâh Yayınları as a three-volume visual and textual study within its Contemporary Turkish Thought series, offering a comprehensive examination of the relationships between religion, state, and society in the Republic era of Türkiye. The second edition, which began in December 2023, was completed in March 2024.

The work examines, under 70 distinct chapters, topics such as the Republic’s religious policies, secularization practices, Diyanet institutions, religious education systems, Sufi orders, reactions from conservative segments, Alevism, and the headscarf movement, covering the period from the secularization process initiated at Lausanne to the present day. It presents a systematic narrative supported by historical texts, archival documents, and over 850 visual materials.

• Secularism and Religious Policies: The implementation of secular legislation from Lausanne to the present and its societal impacts are analyzed.
• Institutionalization of Religious Education: The role of Imam Hatip Schools, Theology Faculties, and the Diyanet within the framework of secularism is explored.
• Society and Community: Sufi orders, the formation of civil religious structures, Alevism, and the headscarf movement as forms of conservative political participation are investigated.
• Visual History: The Republic’s religious memory is visually reconstructed through newspaper clippings, rare photographs, drawings, and tables.

İsmail Kara presents a chronological account of the relationship between religion and the state using an objective and analytical style grounded in scholarly sources. The visual elements enrich the narrative with historical depth. Although structured like an atlas or encyclopedia, the work maintains high readability and is accessible to academics, students, and general readers alike.