Debates on religious education in Islamist publications of the 1960s-1980s: The case of Seher Vakti newspaper

The main purpose of this study is to determine the discussions on religious education in Seher Vakti newspaper. Published for 22 issues between November 15, 1969 and July 1, 1971, Seher Vakti newspaper devoted an important place to discussions on religious education in almost every issue. The newspaper was founded by Özer Şenler and Şule Yüksel Şenler was the editor-in-chief. The study was analyzed through document analysis, one of the qualitative research methods. For this purpose, the copies of the newspaper within the scope of the study were accessed from the digital archive of the Islamist Journals Project and the archive at the Şule Yüksel Şenler Foundation. Each issue was meticulously scanned and analyzed from beginning to end in the context of religious education. When the data obtained were evaluated, it was seen that the newspaper Seher Vakti dealt with issues related to religious education, especially in childhood and youth. The newspaper emphasized the importance of the family in raising individuals as religiously conscious and beneficial members of society; religious education was evaluated as a process supported by practical applications rather than theoretical knowledge. In addition, the newspaper also touched upon issues related to formal and non-formal religious education and discussed the establishment process of Imam-Hatip Schools and Higher Islamic Institutes and the problems encountered in these institutions at the time. The newspaper also emphasized the role of mosques in non-formal religious education and the contribution of non-formal religious education to society. In addition to this, the newspaper also touched upon issues related to the education of women and their role in shaping society as conscious individuals. Key Words: Religious Education, Seher Vakti, Formal Religious Education, Non-Formal Religious Education, Şule Yüksel Şenler.