Ok, ÜzeyirOk, Üzeyirİnsan ve Toplum Bilimleri Fakültesi, Psikoloji Bölümü2024-03-222024-03-222023Ok, Ü. (2023). State-religion separation among Muslims in Turkey: Theory and empirical findings. F. V. Anthony, H. G. Ziebertz (Ed.), Human Rights and the Separation of State and Religion içinde (159-178. ss.). Cham: Springer.97830313399749783031339981https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-33998-1_8https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12154/2743Ideological coherence and harmony among members of a multi-cultural and pluralist society are fundamental for individuals to feel at peace. However, West-based secular ideologies and lifestyles have often contradicted with traditional religion, which led to tensions and conflicts. In modern times, it is expected that states take not only a neutral position concerning religions, ideologies, worldviews and lifestyles but also support and protect such freedoms. The aim of this study is to examine the definition of state-religion separation and evaluate its inconsistencies in current applications in light of this definition within Turkey. It is observed that the perception that Islam is traditional but not open practically, theologically and empirically contradicts the state-religion separation and other civil liberties. There are psychological bases for some Muslims to be biased regarding state-religion separation. This paper shows that the misuse of laïcité, a version of state-religion separation, polarises society and may result in fundamentalist or populist reactions to religion or the secular system. The study ends with recommendations regarding how to approach the state-religion separation.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessState-Religion SeparationLaïcitéMuslimSocial WellbeingTurkeyBook Chapter15917810.1007/978-3-031-33998-1_82-s2.0-85183196581Q3