The effect of Turkish Brigade and battalion imams during and after the Korean War (1950-1958) on Korean perception of Islam

When the history of Islam in Korea from the past to the present is examined, it is understood that despite the early contacts, the religion of Islam in Korea did not have a permanent presence until the Korean War. Since there was no real Korean Muslim community in Korea until the 20th century, the main event in which the religion of Islam spread in Korea is accepted as the Korean War. During and after the Korean War, Islam spread among Koreans as a result of the influence of Turkish brigade and battalion imams on Korean society. This study reveals the influence of Turkish brigade and brigade imams in the reappearance of Islam in the modern Republic of Korea (South Korea). The thesis analyzes the impact of Turkish brigade and battalion imams on the perception of Islam in Korea, through the studies of Turkish military culture and battalion imams. The study focused on the life and activities of the three battalion imams who came to the fore in this process. The analyses draw on the relevant sources from South Korean and Turkish libraries and have been enriched through official and personal archives. Furthermore, in depth interviews have been conducted with individuals who met those imams in person including their family members. The characteristics that distinguished the attitudes of Korean Turkish battalion imams from other clergy have been revealed. The humanitarian behavior and moral motives of the Turks who came to Korea for military aid have been identified as the main factors behind Korean interest in Islam. In the background of this effect, Turkish military culture and the work of Turkish battalion imams have been analyzed. The thesis brings some official and personal archive documents to light for the first time.