The presentation of main Islamic Sects in the context of freedom of thought and multi-diversity in course books of "education of religion and ethics" lesson in primary and secondary schools in Turkey

Abstract

Abstract
 Religion education which has an important place in the education systems of countries, has a direct influence on political, religious and socio-cultural developments. Emerged under the roof of Islam, sect and groups which adopt different ideologies have been shaped according to the religious understanding of ruling powers or the political conditions. Almost in every country, religious affairs are under the control of governments and acts in accordance, as in Turkey. Unlike Western countries, modern Turkey is not multi-religious and multi-cultural. Hereby, Islam is in the center of religious education in Turkey. The main objective of this paper is to analyze how main Islamic sects are presented in the course books of ‘Education of Religion and Ethic’ lesson served by The Ministry of Education. The course books of ‘Education of Religion and Ethic’ lesson are used as resources and scan-analyze method is followed.
 Keywords: Education of Religion and Ethics, Islam, Islamic Sects, Sunnism, Shiaism, Alevism.