1st Edition
Shari`a in the Secular State Evolving Meanings of Islamic Jurisprudence in Turkey
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
Biography
Russell Powell is Professor of Law and Associate Provost for Global Engagement at Seattle University, USA. He has previously worked as a diplomat and holds degrees in Near Eastern Studies, Philosophy, and Law. He has published widely on law, religion and secularism, and Islamic jurisprudence.
`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 Shari¿a 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 Shari¿a.'
Professor Asli Ü Bâli, Director, UCLA Center for Near Eastern Studies, UCLA School of Law, USA
"This is a welcome addition to the growin
