Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığında Görevli İmam-Hatiplerin Merkezî Hutbe Uygulaması Hakkındaki Görüşlerinin Değerlendirilmesi
Evaluation of the Views of Imam-Khatibs Employed at the Presidency of Religious Affairs on the Centralized Khutbah Practice

Summary/Abstract: Purpose: Khutbahs (sermons), which constitute a significant dimension of religious services in Türkiye, are centrally prepared by the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, DİB) and delivered in mosques across the country. The objective of this study is twofold: firstly, to reveal the reflections of this centralized khutbah practice in the field, and secondly, to identify the attitudes, perceptions, and suggestions of imam-khatibs regarding its implementation. Accordingly, the objective of the research is twofold. Firstly, it seeks to determine the strengths and limitations that emerge in the process of applying the centralized khutbah model. Secondly, it aims to contribute to the improvement of the quality of religious services through the provision of practical recommendations. The significance of this study lies in its analysis of the current state of the centralized khutbah practice based on field data collected from the field, and in its examination of how DİB’s khutbah policies are experienced at the level of implementation by imam-khatibs. The central research question guiding this study is as follows: What are the attitudes and evaluations of imam-khatibs toward the centralized khutbah practice? Method: The present study constitutes a qualitative case study. The researchers developed a semi-structured interview form to serve as the data collection instrument. The data for the study was obtained through interviews conducted between 10th and 30th March, 2025, with 19 imam-khatibs working in various settlements in provinces across different regions of Türkiye. The collected data were then subjected to descriptive analysis and evaluated through thematic coding and direct quotation techniques. In the course of analysis process,the views of imam-hatips with regard to the centralized khutbah practice, the process of preparing khutbahs, the selection of centralized khutbah topics, the effects of centralized khutbahs on the congregation, and the language and style of centralized khutbah texts were examined thematically. Findings: The findings of the research reveal that the majority of imam-khatibs generally consider the centralized khutbah practice both necessary and beneficial; however, they strongly believe that it should be implemented with greater flexibility at the local level. Participants have reported that the subjects of the khutbahs frequently fail to adequately address local issues and the specific needs of the congregation. This has been shown to have a detrimental effect on the overall effectiveness of the khutbahs. Another significant point of criticism pertains to the limited involvement of imam-khatibs in the process of preparing khutbah texts. It was also found that members of the congregation have been known to voice disapproval of the centralised khutbahs on occasion. However, these observations are not systematically collected or evaluated. The findings, the study demonstrate that in order for the centralized khutbah practice to become more effective and inclusive, it needs to be restructured through a participatory approach that is responsive to local dynamics. Conclusion: This study provides an original contribution to the literature by addressing the centralized khutbah practice from the perspective of imam-khatibs and by revealing the relationship between institutional policy and local implementation. Participants emphasized the importance of that imam-khatibs assuming active roles in the khutbah preparation process and the necessity of incorporating local content in khutbahs. Furthermore, it has been determined that enhancing the efficacy of khutbahs. In this regard, future studies may address issues such as the congregation’s perspective on the practice and institutional decision-making processes. Furthermore, it is recommended to develop approaches that strengthen the participation of imam-khatibs.

• Details
• Contents