Fieldwork methods in Sufi Studies were discussed

Within the scope of the Quality Commission activities of Üsküdar University’s Institute for Sufi Studies, a seminar series titled “Fieldwork Methods in Sufi Studies” was organized. The series aimed to expand and deepen field-based research in the field of Sufism, an area where such studies remain relatively limited in Türkiye. Another key objective was to equip researchers with the methodological knowledge and practical skills required for conducting effective fieldwork. The seminars were delivered by folklorist Dr. Mehmet Şahin.

In his academic work, Dr. Şahin focuses on folk culture studies, anthropology of belief and ritual, processes of cultural change, and transformations of the Alevi-Bektashi tradition within modern society.

The presentations addressed topics such as folk beliefs, oral culture, cultural continuity and ruptures, collective memory, the relationship between culture and religion, and the reconfiguration of traditional practices within contemporary sociocultural contexts.

Prof. Elif Erhan: “These methods play a key role in increasing project based research”

Director of the Institute for Sufi Studies Prof. Elif Erhan emphasized that fieldwork methods offer rich opportunities for Sufi studies and stated that these approaches will play an important role in increasing the number and quality of project based activities carried out by graduate students.

Prof. Erhan also expressed her belief that such methodological training would contribute to expanding the Institute’s research clusters through project development.

Participants gained applied methodological skills

As part of the seminar series, participants were encouraged to prepare a framework tailored to their own prospective field research. Starting from the planning phase of research, detailed guidance was provided on the appropriate use of observation, participant observation, structured interviews, and unstructured interview techniques.

In addition, practical examples were shared on how to conduct audio, visual, and written recordings in the field in accordance with ethical principles. Topics such as question design during data collection, keeping a field diary, and organizing research notes were also addressed in an applied manner.

New opportunities opened for project oriented research

At the conclusion of the seminars, which were met with strong interest from institute students and faculty members, the importance of encouraging field research especially for project oriented studies was highlighted. With the contributions of Dr. Mehmet Şahin, a call was made to establish working groups dedicated to field based research in Sufi studies.

The seminars were held with live participation from institute students and academic staff. Recordings of the sessions were made available to researchers through the Institute’s event calendar.