This thesis aims to analyze the transformations of concept of secularism from a long- term perspective of the formation and consolidation of Turkish republic between 1923 - 2013. Central contention is that secularism, as a social phenomenon, was originally understood as an integral part of state-led modernization project, sponsored by Turkish armed forces between 1920s and early 1980s. However since late 1980s and particularly under AKP governments (2002 - 2014) secularism - branded as Kemalism has gradually become a subject of intense conflicts and new interpretations seeking to reconcile Turkish secularist principles with new forms of public participation driven by Islamic symbols. Keywords Democracy, secularism, authoritarian regime, Kemalism, army, political parties, AKP, islam, religious symbols, islamic clothing