Sociological analysis of qur'an burning events in the context of Islamophobia: The example of X Turkish users

Today, Islam is perceived as a global threat to Western civilization and its values, and this perception lays the groundwork for the increase in Islamophobic incidents. Digital platforms play a significant role in the rapid dissemination of these incidents to large audiences. In particular, Qur'an burning events resonate widely on social media, are intensely discussed in political and cultural contexts, and occupy a significant place in collective memory. The primary purpose of this study is to examine the impact of these acts on social perception, interpersonal interaction, and practices of othering. In this context, the platform X (formerly known as Twitter), where debates are intensely experienced and daily reactions rapidly circulate, has been selected as the focus of the research. The study analyzes tweets shared on X related to Qur'an burning incidents between May 27, 2022, and March 25, 2025, using qualitative research methods. Van Dijk's Critical Discourse Analysis and thematic content analysis were employed together in the study, and visual and video-based posts were also evaluated in addition to tweet texts. The results reveal that reactions to Islamophobic acts at the discursive level predominantly revolve around emphasis on religious identity, calls for social solidarity, and criticisms directed at the West. Notably, discourses constructed through the distinction between "us" and "the other" stand out, with the Western world frequently criticized for double standards and hostility toward Islam. Moreover, digital platforms have emerged as a digital discourse arena where not only individual reactions but also collective identity are reinforced in the context of Qur'an burning acts. In this context, it is demonstrated that the digital sphere is not merely a medium of reaction but also a dynamic ground where meaning is produced and collective memory is constructed.