Paper Short Abstract:

Through fieldwork and interviews with imams, psychiatrists, complementary and alternative medicine practitioners and patients, this article explores how the concepts of “ruh” (soul) and “akıl” (mind) are understood and addressed within both biomedical and alternative healing frameworks.

Paper Abstract:

This article examines the intricate relationship between biomedicine and alternative healing methods in contemporary Turkey, with a special focus on the role of jinnist imams in mental healthcare. Through fieldwork and interviews with imams, psychiatrists, complementary and alternative medicine practitioners, and patients, this article explores how the concepts of “ruh” (soul) and “akıl” (mind) are understood and addressed within both biomedical and alternative healing frameworks. It specifically highlights the varied understanding of the concepts among patients and psychiatrists, with patients often perceiving the soul as the eternal essence given to them by Allah, while psychiatrists' perception of the concepts comes through a strict biomedical lens. This disparity in understanding results in miscommunication and misunderstandings, which in turn lead to the patients’ cultural and spiritual needs not being met. As a result, patients then turn to alternative healing methods. This article also explores the role of imams in mental healthcare, especially those with expertise in jinns, highlighting the cultural and religious aspects of mental health. Despite the dominance of biomedicine in contemporary Turkey, alternative healing practices are still commonly utilized due to their cultural resonance and perceived efficacy. This article advocates for integrating biomedicine and alternative healing practices to establish a truly holistic, culturally sensitive mental healthcare system in Turkey