Publication details
Digital Age of Religion: Women’s Contribution and Empowerment
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2024 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Attached files | |
| Description | This research aims to investigate how religious practices, especially for Sufi believers, have been transformed by social media and how these changes can empower women through digital platforms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sufi women leaders gained significant visibility on social media, expanding their audiences and maintaining engagement. For in- stance, Cemalnur Sargut, a Sufi leader in Turkey, has effectively used social media to sus- tain and grow her influence. She broadcasts weekly on her YouTube channel, associated with a Sufism-focused publishing house, attracting around 85,000 followers. Her digital presence has maintained spiritual connections with her followers and highlighted the po- tential for women leaders in male-dominated religious spaces. This study will explore how female Sufi leaders navigate and enhance their roles in the digital realm. By analyzing the content and engagement strategies of leaders like Sargut, the research will examine how they create new pathways for recognition and influence. It will also address the socio-cul- tural dynamics in Türkiye, where traditional views on gender roles often confine women to the private sphere and subject them to significant criticism within a religious frame- work. In this context, the increasing visibility and authority of women religious leaders on social media raise critical questions about legitimacy and empowerment. How do these leaders balance their digital presence with deeply rooted cultural and religious norms? What impact does their digital engagement have on their followers and the broader dis- course on women's roles in religious leadership? Through qualitative analysis of social media activities and follower interactions, this study aims to shed light on the evolving landscape of Sufi religious practices and the empowering potential of digital platforms for women leaders. |