Search for spirituality in postmodern era the case of Elif Şafak's novels

The modernization that has accelerated with the Industrial Revolution has effectively changed the material and spiritual lives of societies, and the meaning they give to the world and their existence, and has become the most valid reference in the direction of the idea of rational mind progress. However, as seen in the examples of world wars and terrorist attacks, scientific developments have not always been in the desired direction. In addition, the acceleration of technological developments since the 20th century and the information revolution experienced with globalization lead to unprecedented changes in the lives of individuals and societies, and social institutions formed through generations with externalization are undergoing structural transformation. Person of the age who cannot overcome their need for meaning as a result of accelerating time and declining spatial perceptions will soon escape from the frozen universe of uncomfortable modernity they have become estranged from and go on spiritual journeys. As a matter of fact, it is generally accepted by social scientists that a postmodern period that differs from previous processes, in which pluralism, individuality and relativity are dominant instead of precision and clarity. It is observed that person of the age who does not give up the achievements of the modern and secular life and appeal to the religion that has lost its authenticity in order to preserve their spiritual integrity is constructing their individual religion in an eclectic style by staying in the limbo. In this way, the novels Araf (Limbo), Aşk (Love) and Havva'nın Üç Kızı (Eve's Three Daughters) of Elif Şafak, who is among the names that came to the forefront in the Turkish literature of postmodernity, were examined, and the religious and spiritual appearances of novel heroes and heroines were analysed in the context of search. As a result of the research, a new religiosity type with a post-secular formation and a spirituality based on a different morale from the organizational religion have been achieved. Key words: Religion, spirituality, mysticism, search for meaning, postmodern