Süleymanlıs

Abstract

Süleymanlis belonged to the first Turk migrants in Western Europe who established religious organizations, provided Islamic education for children, and created facilities for ritual prayer. They paved the way for other movements to follow. As followers of the Turkish teacher Süleyman Hilmi Tunahan, they understood the importance of providing religious service to migrants, even if they would be in Europe temporarily. In the first decades of migration the movement was rather closed to the outside world. Today they have successfully created their own spiritual, quietist niche in the Turkish Islamic landscape. They continue to focus primarily on educational activities. The younger generation who is now in charge in most of the local organizations is generally well-educated and more ready to engage with the surrounding society.