What is Islam for Turkey?

 The debate over secularism, then the debates over the Religious Affairs Directorate, imam-hatip [religious] high schools, religious courses in schools, the Alevi issue, minority issues and even the issue of entering the EU all stem from this. As far as I can see, the state both sees Islam as a principal value of this country and tries to keep Islam and Muslims under control. This situation creates a contradiction. For example, I believe educational institutions such as imam-hatip schools, aiming to raise religious figures, are necessary for Turkey, but I also know well that my belief is in opposition to the thesis of a “secular Turkey.” And so this turns the issue of imam-hatip schools into tension between the state and the public.