Pro-Violence Sermons of a Secular State: Turkey’s Diyanet on Islamist Militarism, Jihadism and Glorification of Martyrdom

The literature on martyrdom has not, so far, systematically analysed a constitutionally secular state’s extensive use of religion in propagating narratives by using state-controlled religious institutions. This paper addresses this gap literature. In addition, even though some studies have how been used for political purposes Turkey mythmaking and building collective memory, institution’s active the state memory not studied. shows that contents Friday sermons, reach at least 50 percent country’s adult males every week, moved from Turkish nationalist understanding militarism to more radical, Islamist pro-violence interpretations actively promote dying nation, homeland, God. sermons also emphasise new generations must be raised with spirit, which is novel.