Negotiating Spirituality and Institutional Religion: The Experiences of Yoga Practitioners in Türkiye
Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Dergisi May 31, 2026 Ayşe Aydar
Yoga practitioners in Türkiye initially take up yoga for psychological and physical benefits, but those who feel constrained by institutional religion's strict norms are especially attracted to yoga's flexible and inclusive nature. Contrary to the common belief that yoga leads people away from religion, sustained practice may instead cultivate forms of religiosity and spirituality that develop outside traditional religious institutions.