Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Türkiye implemented strict measures like curfews, school closures, and isolation rules, which also affected religious practices. The Presidency of Religious Affairs (PRA) suspended congregational prayers, leading to imam-hatips being exempt from their mosque duties and redeployed to assist with contact tracing. Unlike many countries, Türkiye implemented home-based contact tracing, where health professionals monitored infected individuals and their contacts. Imam-hatips supported these efforts by calling patients, delivering masks and sanitizers, and ensuring isolation compliance. They also participated in Vefa Social Support Groups to provide socioeconomic aid. Despite their significant roles, the experience of imam-hatips, particularly in contact tracing, has been understudied. This research, based on interviews with imam-hatips in Istanbul and Balıkesir, explores their experiences. Findings reveal that while imam-hatips faced challenges balancing their religious duties with new responsibilities, many found purpose and satisfaction in contributing to their communities. Though missing their traditional roles, imam-hatips embraced their expanded duties, motivated by a sense of religious and moral obligation. This study sheds light on imam-hatips' unique contributions and the challenges they faced during Türkiye's pandemic response.
Source: Mevzu – Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi
Authors: Beyzanur Yılmaz Narin, Ayşe Polat
Institutions: Karadeniz Technical University, Boğaziçi University
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4407994910