Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, undertook extensive reforms to transform the newly established state into a modern, secular nation. A key aspect of these reforms was the abolition of Sharia courts, which had been a central component of the Ottoman legal system. On this date, the Turkish Grand National Assembly finalized the dissolution of these courts, effectively abolishing the application of Islamic law in favor of a secular legal framework. This change was part of Atatürk's broader agenda to modernize Turkey and align it with Western legal practices, influenced significantly by the European legal systems.

Atatürk viewed the separation of religion and state as crucial for the development of a national identity that emphasized rationalism and scientific thought over religious tradition. The elimination of Sharia courts meant that citizens would be governed by a civil code, which aimed to enhance individual rights, particularly in family law. This was a radical departure from the practices of the Ottoman Empire, which had governed a multi-religious society under a legal system that incorporated religious laws. The abolition allowed for uniformity in legal proceedings across the nation, thus promoting equality before the law.

Furthermore, this reform set a precedent for subsequent secular reforms in various facets of Turkish society, including education, the legal status of women, and the status of religious institutions. The new legal structure was one of many steps that aimed to reshape Turkish society in alignment with Atatürk's vision for a progressive, secular Turkey, distinct from its Ottoman past. The impact of abolishing Sharia courts resonated throughout Turkish society, affecting social dynamics and establishing a framework that prioritized secular governance.