Answer
Secularism was a pivotal issue in the conflict between President Sezer and Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit. Sezer, a staunch secularist, opposed Ecevit's attempts to introduce religious elements into the education system and public life. This clash reflected the ongoing tension between secular and religious forces in Turkish society, with Sezer representing the secularist establishment and Ecevit appealing to a more conservative electorate.