The principle of Kemalist laicism aims at the gradual reduction of the influence of religion on political, social and individual life. Religious control of state affairs is abolished but state control over religion continues. When the state deems it necessary, it uses the religion as a tool for its own legitimacy. But this religion is not a dogmatic religion in the traditional sense; it is a rationalized religion that is compatible with reason and science. One of the aims of taking religion into state control is to prevent religious social opposition which could object to Kemalist power. Kemalism seeks to build a ‘Turkish Islam’ in harmony with nationalism instead of other Islamic interpretations that are widespread in the world. But regulations and practices based on the principle of Kemalist laicism paradoxically set the stage for the development of an Islamist opposition against the regime.