Ph.D. Thesis - Doktora Tezi Aspects of religious identity: The Nurcu movement in Turkey today
Type
E-Book
Authors
Category
Ph.D. Thesis - Doktora Tezi
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Publication Year
1985
Publisher
Durham University, United Kingdom
URL
[ private ]
Pages
592
Series Name
Abstract
This thesis is an examination of the present state of Nurculuk, an
Islamic movement founded by Said Nursi (1873-1960) and currently the subject
of heated controversy in Turkey. After tracing the origins of the movement
in the context of the peculiar circumstances of Turkey, the study notes the
way in which Nurcu teachings are promulgated and promoted by publications,
meetings and other means. Next, the effect these teachings have on the lives
and views of members (Nurcus) is examined through individual case studies.
The thesis ends with an evaluation of the movement's present significance.
The founder's life - including his changing relationships with state authorities
- is reviewed in an appendix.
Said Nursi preached a distinctive approach to Islam. His followers
regarded him as the mOceddid (divinely appointed reformer of Islam) for the
twentieth century and organised a secret network to distribute his writings
in the face of official hostility in AtatUrk's secular Republic. From this
organisation grew the clandestine movement that later became known as Nurculuk.
The main collections of Said Nursi's writings, the Risale-i Nur, give his
exposition of the Koran and provide the main source of inspiration to Nurcus
today. The nature of Nurcu beliefs and the way they are propagated have led
to accusations that Nurculuk is a danger to the stability of the state.
A detailed study of Nurcu attitudes reveals a remarkable identity of
views among members, who see themselves not as a threat to Turkish stability
but as a bulwark against anarchy from within the country and communism from
without, though they are still eager to see Turkey turn away from Ataturk's
secularist vision and adopt Islamic ideals.
By providing a composite picture of Nurcu personality and activity, the
study shows what being a Nurcu means in Turkey today and provides the
factual basis for the objective assessment of the movement with which the
thesis ends.
Islamic movement founded by Said Nursi (1873-1960) and currently the subject
of heated controversy in Turkey. After tracing the origins of the movement
in the context of the peculiar circumstances of Turkey, the study notes the
way in which Nurcu teachings are promulgated and promoted by publications,
meetings and other means. Next, the effect these teachings have on the lives
and views of members (Nurcus) is examined through individual case studies.
The thesis ends with an evaluation of the movement's present significance.
The founder's life - including his changing relationships with state authorities
- is reviewed in an appendix.
Said Nursi preached a distinctive approach to Islam. His followers
regarded him as the mOceddid (divinely appointed reformer of Islam) for the
twentieth century and organised a secret network to distribute his writings
in the face of official hostility in AtatUrk's secular Republic. From this
organisation grew the clandestine movement that later became known as Nurculuk.
The main collections of Said Nursi's writings, the Risale-i Nur, give his
exposition of the Koran and provide the main source of inspiration to Nurcus
today. The nature of Nurcu beliefs and the way they are propagated have led
to accusations that Nurculuk is a danger to the stability of the state.
A detailed study of Nurcu attitudes reveals a remarkable identity of
views among members, who see themselves not as a threat to Turkish stability
but as a bulwark against anarchy from within the country and communism from
without, though they are still eager to see Turkey turn away from Ataturk's
secularist vision and adopt Islamic ideals.
By providing a composite picture of Nurcu personality and activity, the
study shows what being a Nurcu means in Turkey today and provides the
factual basis for the objective assessment of the movement with which the
thesis ends.
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1
