Psychological foundations of religiosity during sacred times: The example of Ankara province

This study aims to examine the impact of sacred time periods on individuals' religious interest and practices within the context of sociodemographic variables. The central research question focuses on the extent of the increase in religious orientation and worship activities observed during sacred times, as well as the psychological foundations of this increase. Within the theoretical framework, the concepts of 'sacred,' 'time,' and 'religiosity' were first clarified. Subsequently, theoretical approaches to the phenomenon of the sacred were addressed through an eclectic method, drawing on the essentialist perspectives of Leuba, Freud, and Durkheim; the phenomenological insights of Otto, Eliade, and Cox; the critical stance of Vergote; and the functionalist orientations of Mol and Berger. Within this scope, the effects of the sacred on individual and social life, the main characteristics of sacred time, the understanding of sacred time in Abrahamic religions, popular religiosity, and the concept of secular sacredness are critically discussed. Furthermore, the historical and sociocultural factors influencing religious life during sacred times are analyzed in light of relevant literature. The research employs a concurrent dominant-status mixed method design (QUANTqual), in which quantitative data were collected through structured scales, a personal information form, and closed-ended questions, while qualitative data were obtained through open-ended questions. The sample consists of individuals over the age of 20 residing in Ankara. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS software, and qualitative data were evaluated through structural content analysis. The findings indicate a significant increase in religious interest and worship practices during sacred times. This increase is found to be associated with themes such as spiritual atmosphere, social interaction, religious reminders, and motivation for personal purification. However, some participants expressed that sacred times are susceptible to religious manipulation or that there may be no direct link between personal belief and time. Religious orientation types and popular religiosity emerged as mediating variables in this context. In conclusion, sacred times serve as crucial structures that shape individuals' religious orientations, worship behaviors, and spiritual quests. The increase in religious orientation observed during these periods is found to interact with various psychosocial factors at both individual and societal levels. The study aims to contribute to the field both theoretically and empirically by addressing the phenomenon of sacred time at the intersection of the psychology, sociology, and anthropology of religion.