Abstract:

Folk religion and folk beliefs is one of the most searched domains of folklore. It is almost impossible to conduct a folkloristic research without referring to folk beliefs.Studies about the Turkish folk beliefs have long remained limited with identifying beliefs that differed in the religious life, determining the roots of beliefs and examining beliefs in a comparative way.Studies on folk beliefs in this sense have reached a certain quality and quantity. However, studies about the topic will intensify even more depending on new conditions rather than diminish due to the ongoing role of religion in individual and social life. New methodological and theoretical approaches in folk religion/folk belief will offer new perspectives for researchers in such studies. This article analyzes new approaches and debates on the study of folk beliefs. Reflexive approach, that advise the consideration of the researcher’s own cultural values, personal characteristics, and performance-oriented and vernacular approaches to be taken into consideration, will be used and the methodological and theoretical approaches will be focused in the study of Turkish folk beliefs.

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