Shari`a in the Secular State

Reviews / Votes

`Moving easily through social theory, theology, newly created data, and insightful interviews, Russell Powell's brilliant book presents an illuminating, nuanced, and persuasive account of the relationship between the diverse lived experiences of religion and law in Turkey. But the discussion also has profound implications for the relationship between law and religion in the United States and elsewhere. This is an exceedingly important book.'

Steven H. Shiffrin, Charles Frank Reavis Sr. Professor of Law, Emeritus, Cornell University Law School, USA

'Professor Powell's study is a compelling exploration of the complex ways in which religious identity is constructed within the legally secular framework of modern Turkey. Meticulously researched and supported by quantitative data from empirical studies, it is particularly insightful into the contradictory understandings of Shari?a in contemporary Turkey, from a symbol of faith for some to one of oppression for others.'

Professor Ali Asani, Director, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Islamic Studies Program, Harvard University, USA

'Russell Powell's conclusion that most Turks of different educational backgrounds and degrees of religiosity support traditional moral values while holding relatively libertarian views on freedom of religion offers an important corrective to much of the literature. Conceptually clear and methodologically innovative, this book makes an important contribution by identifying an enduring role for religion in shaping the moral universe of secular Turks and the constitutive role of Turkish secularism in framing the preferences of religious Turks concerning state implementation of Shari?a.'

Professor Asli UE Bali, Director, UCLA Center for Near Eastern Studies, UCLA School of Law, USA `Moving easily through social theory, theology, newly created data, and insightful interviews, Russell Powell's brilliant book presents an illuminating, nuanced, and persuasive account of the relationship between the diverse lived experiences of religion and law in Turkey. But the discussion also has profound implications for the relationship between law and religion in the United States and elsewhere. This is an exceedingly important book.'

Steven H. Shiffrin, Charles Frank Reavis Sr. Professor of Law, Emeritus, Cornell University Law School, USA

'Professor Powell's study is a compelling exploration of the complex ways in which religious identity is constructed within the legally secular framework of modern Turkey. Meticulously researched and supported by quantitative data from empirical studies, it is particularly insightful into the contradictory understandings of Shari?a in contemporary Turkey, from a symbol of faith for some to one of oppression for others.'

Professor Ali Asani, Director, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Islamic Studies Program, Harvard University, USA

'Russell Powell's conclusion that most Turks of different educational backgrounds and degrees of religiosity support traditional moral values while holding relatively libertarian views on freedom of religion offers an important corrective to much of the literature. Conceptually clear and methodologically innovative, this book makes an important contribution by identifying an enduring role for religion in shaping the moral universe of secular Turks and the constitutive role of Turkish secularism in framing the preferences of religious Turks concerning state implementation of Shari?a.'

Professor Asli UE Bali, Director, UCLA Center for Near Eastern Studies, UCLA School of Law, USA

"This is a welcome addition to the growing literature on Islam in Turkey in particular and on religion and politics in general. Russell Powell provides a complex account of the historical evolution of religion and politics in Turkey, beginning with the late Ottoman period."

Turan Kayaoglu, University of Washington Tacoma