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Words in both law and religion can shape power relationships and are often highly disputed. Shari`a lies within the overlap of these two spheres and provides a unique subject for the study of meaning in that liminal space. This book contributes important insights related to Islamic jurisprudence and secularism in the Turkish context and regarding the role of language in contested legal and religious contexts.
The study begins by providing a historical framework for the ideas and terms covered, including concepts of religion in general, Shari`a in particular, and secularism in the Turkish state. It goes on to examine empirical research to describe and analyze contemporary Turkish understandings of religion and Shari`a. The author's research indicates that there is often a disconnect between supporting the adoption of Shari`a and supporting the regulation of everyday behavior through civil codes. Thus, "Shari`a" seems to have taken on new meanings as groups have sought either to appropriate or criticize it. It is a quintessential example of fractured and contextual meaning at the center of both religious and legal traditions.
This book is essential reading for both academics and those interested in law, linguistics, history, political science, anthropology, sociology, religious studies, or Near Eastern studies.
List of contents
List of Figures and Tables
Glossary
Preface
Note on Transliteration, Names and Dates
Introduction
Chapter 1 Religion in Context
Religion as the metaphysical or theological
Psychological definitions of religion
Religion as the social
Religion and politics: Boundaries and interactions
Religion and politics: The dynamic of competition
The role of secularism
Chapter 2 Historical Meanings of Shari`a
Classical Tradition and fiqh
The classical tradition of Ottoman jurisprudence
Range of modern approaches
Conclusion
Chapter 3 Landscapes of popular religion in Turkey
Sources of influence in Turkish popular religion
Education
Religious organizations
Religious leaders
The media
Conclusion
Chapter 4 Turkish secularism
Historiography
Social science considering law and religion in Turkey
Empirical studies considering preferences regarding Shari`a
Chapter 5 Descriptive Analysis of Data
Preference for Shari`a
Religion
What is Shari`a
Shari'a process
Shari`a rules
Methodological approaches to Shari`a
Analysis of significant correlations in survey data
Linear regression and crosstab analysis
Binary logistic regression model
Conclusion
Chapter 6 Analysis of Qualitative Interviews
University educated
High school educated
Primary school education or less
Reflections on the survey group of interviews
Hizmet/Gülen-affiliated participants
Chapter 7 Influences in the Formations of Views Toward Shari`a
Ekrem
Dilek
Yusuf
Elif
Halil
Altan
Fatma
Hakan
Ahmet
Sevgi
Seda
Melek
Zeynep
Emir
Nergis
Hizmet/Gülen-Affiliated Participants
Observations
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
Summary
This book explores historical understandings of Shari`a within the context of religion and secularism in Turkey and then draws on empirical research to analyze Turkish understandings of Shari`a. The evidence presented here indicates that there is often a disconnect between supporting an adoption of Shari`a and supporti
Report
`Moving easily through social theory, theology, newly created data, and insightful interviews, Russell Powell's brilliant book presents an illuminating, nuanced, and persuasive account of the relationship between the diverse lived experiences of religion and law in Turkey. But the discussion also has profound implications for the relationship between law and religion in the United States and elsewhere. This is an exceedingly important book.'
Steven H. Shiffrin, Charles Frank Reavis Sr. Professor of Law, Emeritus, Cornell University Law School, USA
'Professor Powell's study is a compelling exploration of the complex ways in which religious identity is constructed within the legally secular framework of modern Turkey. Meticulously researched and supported by quantitative data from empirical studies, it is particularly insightful into the contradictory understandings of Sharia in contemporary Turkey, from a symbol of faith for some to one of oppression for others.'
Professor Ali Asani, Director, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Islamic Studies Program, Harvard University, USA
'Russell Powell's conclusion that most Turks of different educational backgrounds and degrees of religiosity support traditional moral values while holding relatively libertarian views on freedom of religion offers an important corrective to much of the literature. Conceptually clear and methodologically innovative, this book makes an important contribution by identifying an enduring role for religion in shaping the moral universe of secular Turks and the constitutive role of Turkish secularism in framing the preferences of religious Turks concerning state implementation of Sharia.'
Professor Asli Ü Bâli, Director, UCLA Center for Near Eastern Studies, UCLA School of Law, USA
