This study investigates gender equality in a predominantly Muslim country, Turkey, which has had secular political traditions since the 1920s. Empirical studies consistently show that there is significant gender inequality in Muslim societies. However, we do not have clear answers about where roots of the inequality exactly lie: Is it Islamic culture, is it the Islamic law that has been the foundation of laws in many Muslim countries, is it traditionalism, or is it patriarchal norms? The goal of this paper is to disintegrate the effects of patriarchy, religion and politics on gender (in)equality, arguing that secular political and legal reforms towards gender equality provide only limited empowerment, and that attaining women's rights de jure does not guarantee gender equality. Through the analysis of individual level Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data for Turkey, the paper shows that religion and religiosity affect gender inequality through patriarchal attitudes. In order to eradicate gender inequality, policies should address the factors that feed into patriarchal attitudes and norms, such as traditionalism, education and enforceability of state policies.