Between Minarets and Modernity: A Comparative Study of Secularism in Pakistani and Turkish Media

• In Event: Issues in International and Comparative Politics

Abstract

Secularism, as a concept, grapples with the delicate balance between tradition and progress, faith and reason. In Muslim-majority nations, this tension is particularly pronounced. Pakistan and Turkey, both inheritors of rich historical legacies, have navigated divergent paths in their pursuit of secular ideals. This comparative study delves into how these nations’ media representations shape and reflect their respective narratives on secularism.

The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from media studies, cultural analysis, and political science. By analyzing news articles, television broadcasts, and online content, we explore how secularism is portrayed within each country's socio-political landscape.
Our investigation considers the following key dimensions:
Media Framing
Symbolic Imagery
Political Discourse
Comparative Lens

I am planning to spend my summer in Pakistan, where I will conduct interviews with media professionals. Through these interviews, I hope to gain invaluable insights into their perspectives on secularism. This fieldwork will offer valuable context and enhance the quality of our analysis. In addition, I will be conducting focus groups with media consumers and surveys to further illuminate the multifaceted dynamics of secularism within these contexts and shed light on the interplay between tradition, modernity, and the quest for a balanced societal ethos.

Author

• Yashal Jalil, St. Joseph's University