An analysis of Turkish religious music courses given in faculties of theology

Religious music has been performed in various ways by different societies from past to present. The use of music for religious purposes dates back to ancient times in human history. With the acceptance of Islam by the Turks, Turkish religious music, which is the equivalent of religious music in Anatolia, has gained a place in the cultural heritage. There are many places where Turkish religious music is taught and performed. One of the most important institutions where Turkish religious music education is given is the faculties of theology. This study deals with the Turkish religious music courses given in the faculties of theology at an academic level. In the study, after the historical process of Turkish religious music course is discussed, as a result of the data obtained from the interviews with the educators who give Turkish religious music courses in the faculties of theology and the survey study conducted with the students who take this course, the teaching and content of the Turkish religious music course in the faculties of theology and the satisfaction levels of the students regarding the course are examined. The research is both a qualitative and quantitative study using interview and survey techniques. In the research, it was concluded that teaching Turkish religious music course in the faculties of theology is important for the continuity of music culture, Turkish religious music education should be given to students from an early age, and this course should be given throughout the seminary education in order to increase the efficiency of Turkish religious music courses.