Germany is the one with the problem since DITIB is controlled and funded by the Turkish Government which has a Ministry of Religion (very secularist - it crushes Christian Churches like all "good secularists")

It is building a huge mosque in Cologne to create an Islamic Quarter in a Catholic City with two 55-metre high minarets.

This will no doubt thrill Germans as they see Turkey interfere more and more in their domestic politics - no wonder the NPD is on a roll

TomTom, Leeds, England

President Gul has only just been sworn in and it is impossible to make statements that the fears of the secularists are unfounded. Only after a track record of some years one might be able to venture an opinion of some weight. Even then that could be premature: Islamists have been planning for the return of the Caliphate since the Middle Ages! Their patience and endurance should not be underestimated. Notwithstanding, best wishes to the new president. The challenges ahead are quite awesome.

William, Melbourne, Australia

We are the children of Ataturk and we are Turkish before we are Moslem. Yes I am a Moslem but what defines me and the other in my country is our national identity and language. As Ataturk indicated you are Turkish if you consider yourself one and want to upheld the good name of your country. This means Turkish'ness is not based on race, creed, religion or sex providing you want to be a part of Turkishness then you are.
On the subject of secularism, I am a secular person, I know the rules of my religion and practice some of them but will not let anybody influence me or try to influence anyone. Providing this new era supports these prociples I am willing to accept Mr. Gul as a president. If on the other hand they try to make my mother or sister live in a certain way then I for one will do whatever it takes to get rid of this party.

I always thought the headscarf was a sysbol of Islamic militarism. If on the other hand women want to use it because of their beliefs i am OK with that.

KKYD, Tyne and Wear, UK

It is a dark day for those who have seized, exploited and expended all resources of Turkey for many decades. It is a bright day for those who have been demanding "non-militarist" democracy, broad rights and freedoms for all citizens regardless of their religious convictions, ethnicity and political views. The bureaucratic elite of the country are expressing their anger and frustrations, because they will lose their undeserved privileges which they have been impudently enjoying for many decades.

Under Mr.Gul's and AKP's administration, Turkey will experience an unprecented economic growth, democratic and judicial liberalization and prosperity. Because these people stem from the very heart of Turkish people; they know what the people want and they will act accordingly. Turkey's accession negotiations as to EU membership will gain momentum.

Mr.Gul is a Muslim but not an extremist by any means! He practises his beliefs in his privacy but would not enforce them.

antarctica "Turkish Explorer", Toronto, Canada

Turkey does not deserve a person in high office who married a child at the age of 15! Even the good book has no place for such atrocity.

Criminal for anyone to do so but occupying a high office makes it murderous I think.

Omer CELENK, Ankara, Turkey

One can never be former Islamist. They are what they are. We will all lose if we lose Turkey. American model will further shatter. Trying to make Turkey a "Moderate Islamist" country will only spell disaster.
Once the Islamists gain power, there is no stop to it. They will "brain wash" masses with their "moderate" rhetoric. Now the entire world has to ask itself, is it better to lose the only "secular democracy" in the Islamic World or add another 75 million people to the radical wing. Possibly fund, finance and more importantly encourage another Iran?

Denise, London,

Walking through Istanbul with my Turkish friend last year, a secular woman, I watched as she was shunned and women with scarves turned their backs on her.
The rise of the AK party is giving the more religious Turks the support to force the country into an Islamist state.
The election of Gul will only split the country further. It could have the effect that military will feel the need to step in again to change the government. Look at the harsh language in the warning the military issued just yesterday. That would be a disaster to their EU hopes and for the economy.

John G-, Brooklyn, USA

I can understand the fear of Turkish secularists. Turkey is surrounded by some extremely Islamic fundamentalist countries, including Iran and Syria, and the AK party has been very open about its willingness to engage in business with Iran. Fearing that Iran might use its financial clout to coerce Turkey into adopting shariah law is a real concern and possibility. Hopefully the military will continue to have enough power, or will continue to be headed by secularists so that there will be some entity ensuring Turkey's secularism. With Islamists in full control of the government, there is every chance that secularism will be whittled away and the memory and teachings of Kemal Ataturk forgotten, his likeness shoved into closets. Even in the USA, we keep our eyes open against the religious right, so as to ensure that christian fundamentalism does not take over control of our government.

From NY we wish Turkey the best of luck.

Laura Colatrella, Brooklyn, New York

Islamist Trojan horse? Let's start the countdown to Sharia courts, banning of the sale of alcoholic beverages,persecution of Christians and other religious minorities, and let's watch the posture vis-a-vis Israel.

mct, Windermere,