Field Study Methods in Sufism Research Explored

Üsküdar Üniversitesi Institute of Sufism Studies Quality Commission organized a seminar series titled “Field Study Method in Sufism Research” as part of its activities. The online seminar series aimed to disseminate and deepen fieldwork studies in the field of Sufism, which are limited in number in Turkey. It also aimed for researchers to acquire the methodological knowledge and skills they would need in fieldwork. The seminars were presented by Folklorist Dr. Mehmet Şahin.

Dr. Şahin, in his studies, focused on folk culture research, anthropology of belief and ritual, cultural change processes, and the transformations of the Alevi-Bektashi tradition within modern society. 

The presentations covered topics such as folk beliefs, oral culture, cultural continuity and ruptures, collective memory, the culture-religion relationship, and the reshaping of traditional practices in current sociocultural contexts.

Prof. Dr. Elif Erhan: “These methods play an important role in increasing project activities”

Institute of Sufism Studies Director Prof. Dr. Elif Erhan stated that fieldwork methods offer rich possibilities in Sufism research and expressed that these methods would play an important role in increasing the project activities of graduate students. 

Prof. Dr. Erhan stated that they believe the Institute's research circles would be expanded through projects.

Participants gained practical methodological knowledge

Within the scope of the seminar series, each participant was aimed to prepare a template for their own field research. Starting from the planning phase of the research process; the correct contextual use of observation, participant observation, structured and unstructured interview techniques was explained in detail. In addition, practical examples were shared on how to conduct audio, visual, and written recording processes during fieldwork within ethical rules, question preparation in the data collection process, keeping a field diary, and organizing notes.

New doors opened for project-oriented studies

At the end of the seminars, which were met with great interest by the Institute's students and faculty members, it was emphasized that fieldwork should be encouraged, especially for project-oriented studies. With the contributions of Dr. Mehmet Şahin, a call was made for the establishment of working groups in this field.
The seminars were held with the live participation of institute students and faculty members. The lecture videos were made available to researchers on the Institute's event calendar.