Dobroslawa Wiktor-Mach – författare

This book explores the diverse landscapes of climate activism in Turkey, an emerging economy where the “right to development” clashes with the intense signs of ecological collapse.For many countries and societies outside the Global North, the tensions between development, climate and the environment are particularly challenging. The book contributes to recent studies of environmental and climate movements beyond the Global North - discussing how climate activism is intertwined with the unique developmental and political challenges and tensions. Through an in-depth study of the social base, networks, strategies, campaigns and role of the climate movement in social change in Turkey, Dobroslawa Wiktor-Mach provides a thorough analysis of the country’s recent social and political transformations, and the impact of the development paradigm on nature and local communities, ecologies and politics.Drawing on field research conducted in Türkiye between 2020 and 2023 on grassroots initiatives and activities of non-governmental communities in the area of climate change and adaptation, the book also uniquely includes voices from the south-east part of Türkiye where Kurds live and mobilize under multiple constraints. Included are findings from interviews with activists involved in the environmental movements, including representatives of the main climate networks, as well as other ecological platforms linking NGOs and less formal groups that are including the climate crisis as an important part of their agendas.Inspired by recent literature in social movement studies, the book aims to shed new light on the ways in which climate challenges, which are closely intertwined with ecology, are inspiring parts of civil society in Turkey to engage in activism, challenging the mainstream development agenda, the advancement of neoliberal capitalism and the authoritarian tendencies of the ruling parties.

This open access book presents new, empirically-based ethnographic and sociological studies of Kurdish women’s activism and its implications for their rights and the dynamics of citizenship across different social, cultural, and political fields. Organized into five sections, the book explores the ecological and cultural aspects of citizenship and activism; the interplay between activism and family life; the status of citizens and stateless people in marginalized conditions; and the historical development of Kurdish citizenship in various regions of Kurdistan and the diaspora. It offers an in-depth exploration of lived citizenship, social movements, and women activism in the Global South, as well as a comprehensive study of contemporary Kurdish society, politics, and culture. This book is an essential read for researchers in Kurdish studies, women’s and gender studies, family studies, peace and conflict studies, migration studies, environmental studies, and art and literary studies.

The book explores the complex world of Islam from the perspective of its adherents and activists in Azerbaijan. Baku, the most secular Muslim capital city, is a battlefield for the minds and souls of „ethnic Muslims.” Visiting pirs was till now the typical expression of religiosity among Azerbaijani Muslims. Sunni-Shia division was blurred. Nowadays, Shia and Sunni Muslim movements propose new distinctive identities. Foreign and local preachers took advantage of liberal religious policies of the 1990s to promote their ideas. Salafis stress the „pristine” Islam and the idea of universalism, while Shias underline rationality in their faith tradition. Turkish model of Islam is more inclusive towards local customs. Sufism, although not as powerful as before, also finds a committed audience. Finally, independent charismatic local leaders gain supporters. The book investigates how this pluralism affects both religious groups and believers. Competitive environment requires effective strategies and flexibility. In this process, the traditional dominance of Shiism is challenged by Sunni movements. Shiism, however, is not giving up and adapts its concepts and practices to contemporary contexts.

The book explores the complex world of Islam from the perspective of its adherents and activists in Azerbaijan. Baku, the most secular Muslim capital city, is a battlefield for the minds and souls of ethnic Muslims."e; Visiting pirs was till now the typical expression of religiosity among Azerbaijani Muslims. Sunni-Shia division was blurred. Nowadays, Shia and Sunni Muslim movements propose new distinctive identities. Foreign and local preachers took advantage of liberal religious policies of the 1990s to promote their ideas. Salafis stress the pristine"e; Islam and the idea of universalism, while Shias underline rationality in their faith tradition. Turkish model of Islam is more inclusive towards local customs. Sufism, although not as powerful as before, also finds a committed audience. Finally, independent charismatic local leaders gain supporters. The book investigates how this pluralism affects both religious groups and believers. Competitive environment requires effective strategies and flexibility. In this process, the traditional dominance of Shiism is challenged by Sunni movements. Shiism, however, is not giving up and adapts its concepts and practices to contemporary contexts.