Social and religious life in the Caferies living in Darıca

The aim of this study is to examine the religious and social lives of individuals who describe themselves as members of the Imamiyye/Jafari sect, living in the Darıca district of Kocaeli, in the light of community sociology. Society is a structure that reveals its cultural mosaic and brings its richness to light as a result of the coexistence of many groups with their differences. One of the elements that shapes individuals' understanding of life and surrounds their world is religion. The ways they understand and practice religion, and the level of influence they have on their daily practices have significant importance in shaping life. As an interpretation of Islam based on the principles of Shiism, Jafariism also has a place in the lives of individuals in a sectarian context and as an element of belonging in their self-description. Darıca is the district of Kocaeli that hosts the largest Jafari population. Darıca is the district where three Caferi mosques, the associations of these mosques, the first foundation to use the names "Turkey" and "Caferi", the Turkish Caferi Foundation (TÜRCAV), and the Imam Muhammed Mehdi Quran Course, which is stated to be an official Caferi Quran course (affiliated to the Presidency of Religious Affairs) within the body of this foundation, are located. All these places where the dense Caferi population lives, socializes, and performs their religious rituals and daily routines; provide the opportunity to observe the social lives and religious rituals of the Caferis. For this reason, the Darıca district is a place with a suitable ground for understanding and examining Caferis. Our study was conducted using the qualitative research method. As a data collection technique, interviews were conducted with sixteen Caferi individuals, observations were made in the places and during the rituals, and the necessary information was obtained by examining the documents related to Caferis.