The Islamic Idea of Nature in Contemporary Turkey

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to explore how Islamic actors interpret and transmit the Islamic idea of nature to their followers as well as to the public in Turkey. In exploring its subject matter, this chapter studies how the five selected cases (The Directorate of Religious Affairs, compulsory religious courses, Isṃikcilar, Iskenderpasṃa, and Erenkoy) interpret and transmit the Islamic idea of nature in terms of causality, free will, knowledge, and the concept of God. While studying how Islamic authorities and actors articulate their idea of nature, the chapter also explains where their narratives situate within the Islamic tradition. Drawing from the works of scholars and leading thinkers of Islamic movements, the chapter offers a critical analysis of the Islamic idea of nature as interpreted and transmitted in Turkey.