The effects on crime of the holy days (Istanbul and Sakarya cases)

The aim of this research is to analyze the crime rates of holy (İslamic) days in Sakarya province, determine the advantages and the disadvantages of religion affecting crime and also examine the crime to find the preventative factors identifying the excluding reasons on religion that cause crime. In this context, an examination of the statistics of crime against property and person in Sakarya in the years of 2009-2012 and its consequences on the holy days contributes to the research. The most distinctive mark of our research is the survey run in correction centers of İstanbul and Sakarya districts. In this study, the objective is to determine the effects of holy days on crime, survey the detainees' holy days' perceptions and measure the pheomenon of their spirituality. To suppport the research, the regional and local reports from Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) resources and statistical data are used. Because the subject matter of the research deals with holy days and the fact of crime, the area of concern is religion and crime. In this context, previous research on religion and crime focusing on detainees in correctional facilities are critically examined and analyzed. The study is made up with three parts. In the first part the phenomenon that cause crime is explained in Sakarya and İstanbul. At the same time, the vitality of the holy times on people are discussed explaining the role of importance on these days for the people. To understand this concept of religion more deeply, the reaction of people to İslam and other religions' holy times and the influence of those are described. In addition, the relationship between the religion and the crime is explained. The study puts an emphasis on the phenomenon that human is a social entity and not merely acting in accordance to written rules and contribution that religion substantially facitiates evolution and uniformity within people and communities. Additionally, the relationship between religion and crime is explained in the speech of secularizm (disengagement from religion). It is explained what kind of relationships between social deviation factors and social control determinants would be on the religion and crime. Social control mechanizms including and excluding religion are explained and effects of the religion on the community are evlauted.In the second part, the methodology is explained. The study covers two surveys run in the two correction centers of İstanbul and Sakarya. In the third and final part, surveys and the cases are evaluated, discussed and suggestions are stated. Besides the statistical data of Sakarya Police Department are explained and briefed as graphics.