Abstract
There is a very rich literature on the subject of religion and politics, each as an independent subject and with periodic content. Especially in the process of modernity, with the weakening of the effectiveness of religion in social life and administrative power, this problematic area seems to have become even more complex. In this comparison, the ancient theme is associated with the function of legitimization. However, the most intense discussions regarding the relationship between religion and politics as an issue is related to the process of modernity. The conceptual set in which the relationship between religion and politics is discussed consists of mainly the concepts as the state, secularism, civil society, caliphate and positive law. Our article aims to analyze the relationship between religion and politics in the sample of Islamic non-governmental organizations having a cultural or political toned Islamism paradigm. The Mediterranean Solidarity Platform (ADAP), which was formed by 24 different NGOs centered in Antalya, was chosen as the purposive sampling. Data were collected with a semi-structured interview technique from 23 people who actively participated in the platform activities and were in the decision-making position of the platform, and the obtained data were analyzed descriptively. From these organizations, which are called Islamist NGOs, data were collected about the content of activities, identity definitions, state perceptions, relations with the state in the provision of financial resources, positions on political processes, perceptions of secularism and caliphate, February 28 era, and relations with the current government. It's observed that the concepts of Islamism, conservatism and nationalism come to the fore in the identity statements of the platform members; and that platforms' discourses overlap with the current social agenda and political power while aiming to determine their own discourses independently. Although unjust treatment caused by February 28 have been relieved by the current government, it is observed that the perception of February 28, which has traumatic appearances, leads to keep silent towards today's political and social practices, produces the fear of losing gains, causes feeling of a nightmare to return to the old days.