ABSTRACT
The phenomenon of sheikdom dates back to the 11th century with the emergence of Sufism and its institutionalized form, the tariqahs, in the Islamic world. With the dissolution of the principalities and emirates in the Southeastern Anatolia Region in the 19th century, sheikhs became a significant power in the region. The aim of this study is to analyze the factors that have allowed the phenomenon of sheikhdom in Şanlıurfa to exist through the historical process and continue to this day, using Pierre Bourdieu’s sociological approach. This study discusses what sheikhdom means for individuals, why they visit the sheikh, and the factors that bring forth fake sheikhs. In this context, using qualitative research methods, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 participants, including the Sheik and his family (7) and visitors who come to seek solutions (20) at a sheikhdom house that has been established in Şanlıurfa for many years. The findings suggest that the phenomenon of sheikhdom serves as a sort of buffer institution between the people and the state in the region. Among the reasons individuals visit the sheikh, factors such as pregnancy, physical/psychological problems, sorcery, drug addiction, tribal conflicts and sexual harassment, are particularly notable. In this regard, the filling-the-gap function of the tampon institution also helps to explain the emergence of fake sheikhs.