Non-public welfare in Turkey: new and old forms of religiously-motivated associations

Abstract

ABSTRACT By studying the contemporary functioning and historic roots of a variety of religiously-motivated associations (RMAs), this paper explores the blurred boundaries between state institutions, political parties, and religious groups in the realm of welfare, in Turkey. Empirical findings are based on semi-structured interviews conducted with the volunteers and administrators of 27 RMAs, in three cities. These interviews focus on the RMAs’ motivations, administrative and organisational functioning and connections, presenting a comprehensive picture of RMAs as non-public welfare providers. Analysis of both new and old associations provides an understanding of how their histories and proximity to political power differ; it also reveals clues about the politicization of social provisioning. The findings of this study show that these associations have been some of the most important actors in non-public provisioning over the past two decades; they also shed light on the political economy of welfare provisioning.