The informal learning in sufi culture

The research is focused on informal and non-formal learning through the Qadiri rituals in Eyüp and Tophane where the individual based and group based rituals are arranged. In this research, it was tried to understand informal and non-formal learning. Although mysticism has been studied and discussed in many different works, the vast majority of these studies do not consider informal and non-formal learning since they focuse more on mystic rituals and daily life activities carried out in society. However, in this thesis, the main point is how members of the Sufi groups perform informal and non-formal learning by participating in different rituals individually and collectively. Then, they practice in their daily life activities. During this work, it was noticed that service and rituals in both jurisdictions contained intense symbolism. This symbolism, which is based on centuries of teaching and learning tradition in the their mystic places. This culture ecosystem has crucial roles in learning by raising and accelerating awareness. It is clearly understood that this symbolism is consciously developed by the Sufi mystics leader who are connected to the aim of the realization of a learning process in the rituals. During this transition, the mindfulness has gained by the participants who aim to apply the values by spreading to the whole of their lives as competent people. This study has elaborated to explain the process of internalization of learning and learning through mindfulness while understanding how to change behaviors, attitudes, and habits of individuals and even groups.