Mediatization of Islam in Kashmir: A Critical Content Analysis of Contemporary Islamic Socio-Religious Magazines

Abstract

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of select magazines published by Islamic socio-religious organizations in Kashmir, India. It explores various aspects of these publications, including thematic prevalence, framing techniques, symbolic representation, tone, and the portrayal of religion and faith. Using both qualitative and quantitative approaches, along with content analysis, this study applies Ninian Smart's Seven Dimensions of Religion as its primary theoretical and methodological framework. Key findings highlight recurring themes of ethics, social justice, and community solidarity, alongside the use of persuasive language and rhetorical techniques such as repetition, symbolism, and imagery. The magazines portray religion as a source of guidance and compassion, with ethical and social themes (64.5%) prominently featuring topics like proper conduct, human rights, women's rights, Islamic law, social issues, and community relations. Overall, the positive tone of the publications underscores the role of Islamic magazines in fostering community cohesion and influencing public discourse within Kashmir. This study is of notable relevance for religious practitioners and offers valuable insights for government agencies aiming to engage with Islamic organizations in the region, promoting collaborative approaches to address community needs and inform policy development.

Keywords

• Media
• Religion
• Kashmir
• Islamic Magazines
• Socio-Religious Organizations

Keşmir'de İslam'ın Medyatikleşmesi: Çağdaş İslami Sosyo-Dini Dergilerin Eleştirel İçerik Analizi

Öz

Bu makale, Hindistan'ın Keşmir bölgesinde faaliyet gösteren İslami sosyo-dini organizasyonlar tarafından yayımlanan seçili dergilerin derinlemesine bir analizini sunmaktadır. Çalışmada, bu yayınların tematik yaygınlıkları, çerçeveleme teknikleri, sembolik temsilleri, üslupları ve din ile inancı ele alış biçimleri incelenmektedir. Hem nitel hem de nicel yöntemler ile içerik analizi yaklaşımını bir araya getiren bu çalışma, teorik ve metodolojik çerçeve olarak Ninian Smart’ın Dinin Yedi Boyutu modelini temel almıştır. Bulgular, etik, sosyal adalet ve toplumsal dayanışma gibi tekrar eden temaların yanı sıra tekrar, sembolizm ve imgelem gibi ikna edici dil ve retorik tekniklerin kullanıldığını göstermektedir. Dergiler, dini rehberlik ve merhamet kaynağı olarak tasvir etmekte ve etik ile sosyal temalara (%64,5) ağırlık vererek uygun davranış, insan hakları, kadın hakları, İslam hukuku, sosyal meseleler ve toplumsal ilişkiler gibi konuları öne çıkarmaktadır. Yayınların olumlu üslubu, İslami dergilerin Keşmir'deki toplumsal uyumu pekiştirme ve kamuoyu söylemini etkileme konusundaki rolünü vurgulamaktadır. Bu çalışma, dini uygulayıcılar için önemli bir kaynak olup, Keşmir'deki İslami organizasyonlarla iş birliği yapmayı hedefleyen devlet kurumlarına toplumsal ihtiyaçları ele almak ve politika geliştirmek için değerli içgörüler sunmaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Medya
• Din
• Keşmir
• İslami Dergiler
• Sosyo-Dini Organizasyonlar

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