Abstract:

With regard to the perception and shaping of societal and political orientations in Muslim societies, interpretations of Islam have been divergent amongst countries with different social, cultural and political structures and conditions. This article assesses the perception of Islam from a historical perspective, examining the factors that define the perceived differences between Turkey and Pakistan’s relationship with Islam. The analysis shows that variability in perception of Islam in Pakistan and Turkey has not only been product of interpretive tradition of fundamental sources, but also developed concurrently with changing socio-political conditions, all of which contributed to shape the various societal dispositions and political orientation of these states. The study concludes that the constantly changing socio-political conditions, as well as the state or ruling elites’ insight, approach and responses to such changes, have been key to the shaping of the different perceptions of Islam in Pakistan and Turkey.

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