Bursa Jaferis – Belief Identity and Belonging-
In this study, the identity and sense of belonging of the Jafaris living in Bursa were discussed by using in-depth interview and observation techniques, which are among the qualitative research methods. As it is known, various ethnic and religious groups and sects live in Türkiye. These groups, having different beliefs in terms of faith, also have different practices and unique senses of identity and belonging in terms of rituals. Based on this, the Jafaris, who are both an ethnic and religious community in Türkiye, appear with different rituals in the public sphere. The aim of this book is to reveal the strategy of Türkiye’s Jafaris in constructing and maintaining their own identity. This book consists of an introduction and five chapters.. In the introduction, information is given about the subject of the research, its purpose, method, working group, data collection techniques and analysis method, as well as some studies on the Jafaris of Türkiye. In the first chapter, the concepts of identity, belonging and the Jafari sect as well as the brief history of Jafarism (Shiism) are discussed. In the second chapter, the Jafaris of Türkiye and their activities are discussed in general terms, and information is given about the mosques and associations of the Jafaris living in Bursa. The third chapter, focuses on the issues of Imamate-Caliphate, Mahdiism and Taqiyya, which are among the issues of faith that affect the behavior and attitudes of Jafaris. In the fourth chapter, marja al-taqlid, khums practice, muta marriage, daily worship of the Jafaris, Ashura rituals and their social relations with Sunnis are discussed. In the fifth chapter, the phenomenon of Jafariization, the reflections of the Jafaris’ sense of identity and belonging on social life were emphasized and their views on Presidency of Religious Affairs were examined.
Keywords: Belief, Religion, Identity, Belonging, Sect, Jafaris, Shia, Ritual, Bursa, Azeris