Conversion of Ajarians to Orthodox Christianity: Different Narratives and Perceptions

AYDINGÜN A., KÖKSAL P., KAHRAMAN A.

EUROPE-ASIA STUDIES, cilt.71, sa.2, ss.290-314, 2019 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 71 Sayı: 2
  • Basım Tarihi: 2019
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/09668136.2018.1543651
  • Dergi Adı: EUROPE-ASIA STUDIES
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.290-314
  • Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Based on field research and interviews conducted in both Ajaria and Tbilisi, this article focuses on the different interpretations of the conversion of ethnically Georgian Muslim Ajarians to Orthodox Christianity. It is argued that Orthodox Christianity is an important aspect of self-identification and the national narrative of all Georgians. For many Muslim Ajarians, conversion appears to be a pragmatic act, with the ultimate goal of being recognised as 'fully Georgian' by both state and society.