Young Muslims in the Malady of Love: Preaching and Digital Intimate Publics on Turkish Social Media published in Turkish Studies

Abstract 

This study explores the discursive landscape on Turkish social media that negotiates romantic love, sexuality, youth’s conduct, and piety. It examines the preaching content and audience interactions on YouTube and TikTok, focusing particularly on the viral circulation of the ‘young Muslim in the malady of love’ question. The findings reveal how digital preachers uphold religious authority in contemporary Turkey, aligning with the political agenda of the Justice and Development Party. Additionally, they underscore the role of digital platforms as intimate publics, where young people navigate, reinterpret, and challenge religious authority and Islamic moral frameworks pertaining to gender and sexuality.

Sözen, Ü. (2025). Young Muslims in the Malady of Love: Preaching and Digital Intimate Publics on Turkish Social Media. Turkish Studies, 1–28.   https://doi.org/10.1080/14683849.2025.2483767. 

Full article: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14683849.2025.2483767