Tataristan'da İslam'a geçiş ve kimliğin yeniden inşası: Nitel bir psikososyal çalışma

Religion remains one of the central components in shaping a person's worldview and identity. Particularly during periods of social change, personal crisis, or instability, individuals often turn to belief systems that can provide them with a sense of stability, meaning, and belonging. This phenomenon can be observed in different parts of the post-Soviet world, including the Republic of Tatarstan. Over the past few decades, the Islamic revival in Tatarstan has led to a significant increase in the Muslim population, particularly among individuals aged 18–35. This includes both ethnic Tatars re-engaging with Islam and converts from non-Muslim backgrounds. These individuals often experience profound shifts in worldview and self-understanding as they integrate Islamic beliefs into their lives. Within this context of Islamic revival, this research explores the psychological, social, and educational dimensions of religious conversion to Islam in Tatarstan. It argues that conversion is a gradual, multi-layered process in which Islamic education plays a critical role in fostering meaningful and conscious religious integration. The study examines three key phases: life before conversion, the process of embracing Islam, and life after conversion. Through qualitative methods—primarily in-depth interviews and narrative analysis—it identifies recurring themes between two participant groups: ethnic Tatars and individuals from non-Muslim backgrounds. Findings highlight that conversion is often preceded by internal psychological struggles, followed by exposure to Muslim communities and an active search for knowledge and belonging. Post-conversion, access to Islamic education and supportive communities prove vital in sustaining sound religious identity. This study positions the Islamic revival in Tatarstan not merely as a cultural phenomenon, but as a deeply personal journey of transformation.