The Clash in the Republic: Adhan in Turkey

The Ottoman Empire collapsed and the Republic of Turkey was established in the year 1923. The first leaders of Turkey declared a slow, but steadfast battle against Islam, which they believed was an obstacle to national identity.

The leaders first target was the Call to Prayer or Adhan, which was voiced in the language of the Quran from the thin towers of each mosque; this call needed to be banned, and a Turkish recitation was required.

The Call to Prayer was changed to Turkish in the newly formed Republic of Turkey. This change by the leaders, particularly Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Ismet Inonu, and their colleagues tested the patience of the people. Furthermore, this change brought much destruction, despair, and loss to the people, and major clashes occurred on the streets between the soldiers of the newly formed republic and her innocent citizens.

This is the story of an elderly religious man, living in a faraway town in south-east Turkey, completing the Call to Prayer, once again, in the language of the Quran, after 18 long years of absence.

Stop what you are doing please, order the book, and read this mesmerizing tale.

Thank you.