New Age Beliefs in Türkiye

Abstract

This study aims to analyze institutions in Türkiye that offer training and practices based on New Age beliefs and understand the main reasons leading individuals to join these institutions. This research was conducted using qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and participant observation techniques. The field research began in August 2022 and lasted over a year. During this time, more than 15 training sessions were attended, over 250 people were met, and in-depth interviews were conducted with 76 participants. In addition to studying institutions, this research also aims to comprehend the personal approaches and feedback from participants and trainers to shed light on the overall perspective of these institutions as a "community." The results indicated that most participants were between the ages of 35-45, had middle to upper-income levels, were well-educated, and women outnumbered men. Participants were seeking meaning in their lives, searching for answers to their questions, and looking for solutions to their problems to achieve spiritual and material benefits. On the other hand, group participation allowed individuals to socialize and be a part of a circle where they could express themselves open-heartedly. When considering institutions promoting New Age beliefs, many of them had commercial aspects, with a corporate identity and management approach like. With an increasing number of institutions and participants, New Age Beliefs seem to be a part of the contemporary world. Thus, resarches with the perspective of different disciplines should be conducted to understand all the aspects of the concept thoroughly.