The effect of 15 July coup attempt on the academicians' perceptions of religious groups (İnönü University sample)

On July 15, 2016, a military coup attempt was carried out in Turkey under the leadership of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ). The fact that the coup attempt was carried out under the leadership of an organization known as a religious group caused many changes in religious perceptions throughout the country. Considering that people who consider themselves at different points in the belief spectrum have different approaches to religious groups due to the military attempt, conducting a study on the direction of the change in perception towards religious groups seemed important in the context of a sociological study. In this context, the experience and expertise of academic staff was consulted to examine the extent to which the military attempt had an impact on approaches and perceptions towards religious groups. The study was conducted using a simultaneous mixed design, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. A quantitative study was conducted by developing a five-point Likert-type Religious Group Perception Scale consisting of 16 items. The opinions of 221 academicians were obtained within the scope of the quantitative study. The data were evaluated according to the independent variables. In addition, a qualitative study was conducted through an interview form containing 10 questions. The opinions of 42 academicians were sought in the qualitative study. According to the findings, it is seen that the coup attempt caused changes in the perceptions of academicians working at İnönü University towards religious groups. In this context, it is concluded that religious groups are perceived as a threat to the state, harmful to social solidarity, alienating, less reliable, and as focuses that could be used by foreign intelligence and states, although not in a general sense. Although the changes in society's attitude towards religious groups have had an adverse effect on traditional perceptions, it is also seen that a more cautious and questioning approach has been adopted towards religious groups.