Alevis and the Legal System of Religious Education in Turkish Schools: the Jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights

Abstract

One of the aspects of the synthesis between religious freedom and freedom of teaching is the correct description of the legal system of religious education in schools. The aim of the research is the explanation of this system in the Council of Europe member States, especially in consideration of respect for the teachings of minorities, focusing on the situation of Turkish Alevis. These descriptions will help us to answer the following question i.e. what are the parameters of the European Court of Human Rights in outlining a legal system of religious education that requires States to respect the faith of minorities and whythe Turkish government does notrecognize Alevis as an independent minority. The result of our research is that from the point of view of European Court, a State can teach a particular religion in its education system, but these teachings must not affect the rights of Alevis. Ankara wants to strengthen its national and religious unity; hence it does not recognize Alevis as an autonomous community. All this is in contrast with the jurisprudence of the European Court and against Turkish secular system.

Keywords

• religious education
• schools
• european court of human rights
• turkey
• alevis