Freedom of Assembly and the Duties of Individuals in Turkey

The Republic of Turkey, inherited from the Ottoman Empire, was founded on a structure that united people from different cultures, religions, languages, and regions who settled in Anatolia through the bond of citizenship. At this point in the 92-year history of the Republic, people in Turkey, groups, and individuals with different socio-cultural identities have been prevented from achieving integration into a supra-identity of 'Turkishness'. In other words, the freedom necessary for the fusion of people belonging to dozens of different cultural mosaics living in the Republic of Turkey has not yet been provided.

Differentiation Based on Identities

Not just recently, but throughout the history of the Republic, both politicians and influential elites in society have constantly strived to highlight the ethnic/cultural identities of people living in Turkey, which leads to the disappearance of individual identities. They do this to gain support from ethnic groups that will back their political or other objectives.

Therefore, in Turkey, 'localism' (hemşerilik), 'Alevism', 'Sunnism', 'Turkishness', 'Kurdishness', 'Tarikatism and communalism' (tarikatçılık ve cemaatçilik) by various names, and even 'Imam-Hatip-ness' are not mere affiliations. All of these are supra-identities, and although they were not invented to prevent integration with other identities, in Turkey they are used for differentiation, marginalization, and even 'excommunication'.

Weakness of the Concept of Citizen

In Turkey, the concept of a citizen has not yet been taught and internalized. The main reason for this is that the 'officials' employed by the state see themselves as the state, viewing citizens not as individuals to be served, but as people whom the state distrusts, and who therefore must prove to the state that every action and transaction they undertake is lawful. The state and the politicians who govern it, not wishing for any organization to emerge against them, constantly engage in activities that restrict or completely eliminate the freedom of individuals to integrate.

Obstacles to Freedom of Integration

Whatever 'those who are with us' do, they are innocent; 'the others' are guilty. In the courts established under various names to date, 'the others' have always been and are being tried. Their only crime is being 'the other'.

In modern democratic societies, societies where citizens have a civic consciousness, courts decide who is a traitor or a collaborator. However, in Turkey, anyone other than courts can decide who is a traitor and who is a patriot. Treason has become an attribute of political and group identity.

In Turkey, to which religion, sect, tariqat, or community you feel close is not a preference but a matter of identity. Because of this identity, you are either highly esteemed or reviled. The aim is to keep differentiation alive through identities and prevent integration.

The future of the Republic of Turkey lies not in the differentiation of its citizens, but in their integration.

What Needs to Be Done for Integration

In Turkey, dialogue should be extended not only among adherents of different religions but also among groups who identify with different sects, tariqats, and communities within the same religion. Tariqats should invite members of other tariqats to their dhikr sessions; shaykhs and esteemed scholars should frequently gather to deliver their sermons and preachings together. Cemevi-Mosque projects should be accelerated.

Local associations should conduct activities together with associations from different provinces and districts. Permeability between political parties should be encouraged; members of different parties should frequently come together for regional and local issues. Inter-city and inter-site visits, cultural and sports activities should be promoted. The economically wealthy should help organize activities where they can spend time with the poor.

Every individual should demand the freedom of integration and, as a requirement of this freedom, should focus on activities that have not been possible until now.

The integration of people with different cultural mosaics living in Turkey will bring not only peace and harmony to society but also transparency, accountability, and greater individual freedom in politics and state governance.