Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the definition of secularism as the separation of religious and state affairs was correct but flawed. Behind this statement was a wish for more religious freedom.
As part of activities commemorating the death of Kemal Ataturk, Erdogan attended an open session at the Ataturk Institute of Culture, Language and History.
He explained that secularism as it embodies freedom of religion and conscience had different dimensions. Erdogan emphasized the state should keep an equal distance from all faiths and identities.
Erdogan also stated that no single citizen of the nation could be exposed to unequal legal and social treatment because of his or her faith and identity.
Erdogan was challenging Turkey's fiercely protected secular nationalist tradition as he was alluding to the headscarf dispute.
Erdogan statements were all the more significant since Chief of General Staff Hilmi Ozkok, Supreme Court Chief Justice Mustafa Bumin, and Court of Appeals Chief Justice Eraslan Ozkaya were in attendance.
The Prime Minister said he wanted to avoid unnecessary tensions that might undermine the unity and solidarity of the nation. However, he explained that while it was good to acknowledge the country's values, it was also necessary to look to the future.
Erdogan also said that with the November 3rd 2002 elections, the Republic of Turkey was saved from a 'deep maelstrom'.