The impact of religion on social life: The case of the Şeyh Ahmed Çan family in Bingöl

This study aims to examine the "impact of the religious institution on social life in Bingöl" which is a social phenomenon, within the framework of ongoing social changes from the past to the present. The scope of the study is to investigate the influence of religion on social life, focusing on the "Sheikh Ahmed Çan Family," which is one of the main families associated with Sufism and engaged in religious activities in Bingöl. In this study, designed as qualitative research, semi-structured interviews and documentation data collection techniques have been utilized. In Bingöl, the activities carried out by the sheikhs affiliated with the Nakshbandi Khalidiyya, a Sufi tradition that gained prominence in the nineteenth century, have played an influential role in shaping the impact of religion on societal life from various perspectives. Essentially, these activities have molded traditional folk culture in accordance with religious principles, thereby contributing to the continuation of the influence of religion on social life. In this context, it has been concluded that sheikhs have transformed societal life in line with religious principles, fostered social unity, attempted to fill political authority gaps, and worked to maintain social order. In Bingöl, it has been observed that the sheikhs have managed to bring together various elements of the community with diverse cultural and belief affiliations, prevented tribal conflicts, and engaged in mediation activities to address different societal issues.The sheikhdom system in Bingöl, while having lost some of its former influence in specific areas due to societal changes, still maintains its presence within the community. It is seen that the Sufi tradition in Bingöl continues to be guiding people in some matters such as meeting the need for spiritual guidace or resolving familial problems.