Please tell us about your research project.
I am currently a lecturer at the Department of Turkish Studies and a PhD candidate in Political Science at the Droit, Religion, Entreprise et Société (UMR 7354) research unit, and my thesis is supported by the Interdisciplinary Thematic Institute MAKErS project.
My research explores the development of heterodox religiosities emerging in contemporary Turkey, in comparison with the revival and recognition of neopagan movements in Europe. Adopting an interdisciplinary and comparative approach, I draw on political science, anthropology of religion, and sociology to examine how marginalized belief systems emerge, structure themselves, and persist in contexts dominated by majoritarian religions.
In Turkey, neopagan movements have emerged partly in response to rising political Islam, while in Europe they often intersect with environmental and heritage concerns. My research also focuses on the role of the internet in the diffusion of these beliefs, especially in Turkey since the early 2000s, where growing digital access has facilitated the emergence of what I call "semi-transparent" religiosities.
Ultimately, I aim to provide a new analytical framework to understand how these religious identities are shaped, spread, and how they interact with broader issues such as nationalism, ecology, and cultural heritage. I am particularly interested in how these religious groups pursue official recognition, as well as the nature of their claims and initiatives.
Could you please tell us a bit more about your scholarship/exchange programme?
I was awarded the “Bourse du Mois” from the Maison Française d’Oxford. This scholarship supports a one-month research stay, allowing me to conduct fieldwork alongside heterodox religious groups and individuals in the UK while taking full advantage of the exceptional resources offered by the Maison Française and the University of Oxford’s libraries. It also provides a unique opportunity to engage with leading scholars in my field, foster academic exchange, and explore potential research collaborations.
First impressions of Oxford/the University?
In a word: magical! The city’s breathtaking architecture, the pleasure of wandering its historic streets, and the opportunity to work in its remarkable libraries and to discover iconic colleges are truly inspiring. At the same time, Oxford has a vibrant and youthful energy, driven by its dynamic student life, which makes it an intellectually stimulating and deeply enriching place to be.