An evaluation of quran education and recitation science in imam hatip high schools: Şiirt province example

The Holy Quran is the main source of the Islamic religion and is of great importance in Islamic societies. Quran education, in classical sources, is based on a practical teaching method supported by principles such as "mushafaha" (face-to-face teaching) and "femi muhsin" (education from a proficient mouth). Imam Hatip High Schools, which form the institutional framework of religious education in Turkey, are important institutions that systematically offer Quran and Qira'at education. However, various difficulties are encountered in this process, especially in areas such as the correct pronunciation of articulation points, the understanding of recitation differences, and the adequacy of the curriculum. In this study, Quran and Qira'at education in Imam Hatip High Schools in the province of Siirt was examined from a multifaceted perspective; the level of satisfaction, teaching effectiveness, and problems encountered were evaluated in line with student and teacher opinions. Within the scope of a descriptive survey model research, a questionnaire was administered to a sample consisting of teachers working and students studying in the 2024-2025 academic year, and the data were analyzed with the SPSS 22.0 program. According to the findings, a large portion of the students (71.1%) stated that they were satisfied with the Quran lesson. However, the inadequacy of class hours (35.0%), the limited reflection of the science of Qira'at in the curriculum (47.4%), and the lack of special recitation classes (57.9% of students, 74.1% of teachers) were among the significant problems. The correct pronunciation of articulation points (80.8%) and the increase in knowledge about the science of Qira'at (79.3%) were emphasized as fundamental needs in education. While 67.9% of the teachers found the course program sufficient, the opinion that specialization would improve quality (92.9%) was strongly expressed. In conclusion, it has been demonstrated that in order to effectively sustain Quran teaching, the curriculum needs to be revised, practical teaching environments should be increased, the professional development of teachers should be supported, and the time allocated to recitation/Qira'at lessons should be extended. Keywords: Quran education, Qira'at science, Tajwid, Imam Hatip High Schools, Siirt, religious education, teacher-student opinions