ADIL ÖZDEMIR AND KENNETHFRANK, Visible Islam in Modern Turkey, Library of Philosophy andReligion, ed. John Hick (London: Macmillan Press, 2000; New York: St. Martin's Press,2000; Istanbul: SEV Printing and Publishing, 2000). Pp. 270. $75.00 cloth.

Extract

Visible Islam in Modern Turkey by Adil Özdemir and Kenneth Frank is an objective, readable handbook of Islamic worship practices. The authors offer an introduction to the basics of Muslim worship in Turkey and to expressions of faith and identity, prayer, alms-giving, the fast, and the pilgrimage to Mecca. Along with some history behind the practices, they also present their combined interpretations of the present religious climate. This last issue lifts parts of the book above the level of general guide to that of social commentary, as the authors point out the tensions between secular and non-secular worldviews.