Is Yoga Halal for Turks?
Much discussed in the Muslim world since the 1990s, the question of yoga and Islam has finally confronted a rather confused public in Turkey.
Print and social media boomed with news on Oct. 25 that Turkish Interior Ministry sought the official opinion of the Directorate of Religious Affairs (DRA) on whether yoga is caiz (not explicitly forbidden by Islam). News reports suggested that the cause of the inquiry was the Interior Ministry’s desire to provide yoga classes for the overstressed police force. The DRA replied as long as yoga was practiced as a sport activity it was permissible, but if it has a “religious mission” it could be objectionable.
I should provide the disclaimer that I have been practicing yoga more than 10 years. Although the news caught many Turks by surprise, as someone who studies religion, I'm quite familiar with statements such as “kosher yoga,” or questions such as “Is yoga sinful for Catholics?” I am also happy to confess I have friends who would never step foot in a yoga class because they do believe it is a sin, and they are not exclusively Muslims. On the other hand, I have attended “women only” yoga classes where no men were permitted and some participants were Orthodox Jews or hijabis (women dressed in accordance with Islamic law). The Muslim world has been debating whether yoga is an aberration for two decades-plus now.
I talked to quite a few licensed yoga instructors for Al-Monitor, many of whom preferred to stay off the record. They agree upon two statements: They have never viewed yoga as a religious belief system, but rather a philosophical state of mind; and that the popularity of yoga is growing exponentially in Turkey. It is estimated that there are over 50 studios just in Istanbul. A young yoga instructor, who was proud to lead a yoga session during Gezi park protests, told me over the phone that yoga clientele is becoming more diverse. He said soon we should expect classes for kids, pregnant women and women going through osteoporosis.
Ayca Gurelman, the founder of the Istanbul Yoga Center, is a pioneer for holistic yoga in Turkey with an impressive resume. She has travelled extensively, studied and practiced yoga in different continents, including its birthplace, India. Gurelman also has founded Purnam Publications, which publishes books on different yoga practices. Gurelman told Al-Monitor her center represents S-Vyasa University. She explained short, medium and long-term goals of someone practicing yoga. We agree that except for the few, most of us who practice yoga are only interested in short and medium term results: better health, less pain, stronger body and calmer mind.
