INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF JA’FARISM AS A MODERN IDENTITY IN TURKEY

Abstract

In this study, the creation of identity and institutionalization processes of the Ja’faris living in Turkeyare discussed in the context of social change in Turkey. Firstly, the historical process of Jafarismand its position in the Turkish society were examined. The effects of urbanization on the institutionalization and identity building of Jafarism were investigated. Because social transformations andchanges taking place in Turkey with urbanization and modernization in the last century have led tothe emergence of new religious, ethnic and political identities in the country and to the process ofinstitutionalization.In this study, qualitative research techniques such as documentation, interview and direct observationtechniques were used. The migration processes of Ja’faris living in Turkey were examined utilizingthe Ottoman archive documents. To assess the situation of Ja’faris, living in Turkey today, is made ofinterviews with leaders and members of the Ja’farism. In addition, observations were made in placesof worship and research was conducted by participating in their some rituals.When the obtained data were evaluated, in the process of internal migration, that experienced in Turkey, it is seen that the Ja’faris began to settle in large cities. Because of, has been seen that, Ja’farismin Turkey has been institutionalized in parallel to the urbanization and modernization processes inthe Turkish society. This institutionalization was the determining factor in shaping the identity ofJa’farism. However, it has been observed that the identity of the Ja’farism in Turkey is not homogeneous but it has diversity. In addition, it was determined that the mosque played a central role in theinstitutionalization of Ja’farism and the ashura ceremonies that performed in Muharram constitute anexample of institutionalization in the modern sense. The problems and demands of Ja’faris living inTurkey, are also included in the study.