Islamic officials in Germany , Date: 2012.05.03, format: project (finished), area: Authority , Research project to acquire in-depth information about imams and dedes (Alevi religious leaders)

In this research project the number of imams and dedes (Alevi religious leaders) is to be ascertained and in-depth information acquired about them.

Key role for imams and Alevi dedes

Islamic clerics, in their capacity as multipliers, have a key part to play in supporting the integration of Muslims. However, little is known about them in Germany. Also their everyday working lives have not been researched in any detail. According to the results of qualitative studies, their lives increasingly involve taking care of the welfare of their congregation members in addition to their traditional tasks.

These gaps in research are to be tackled in the project that is being carried out on behalf of the German Islam Conference (DIK). Based on representative data, fundamental information about imams and dedes, and their work in their communities, is expected to be acquired.

Basic and further training for Islamic officials

Another objective of the project is to gain better knowledge of the educational requirements of imams and dedes to gauge the need for training and further training and to be able to devise education programmes appropriate for the target group. Basic and further training for Islamic clerics represents a key area for supporting the integration of Muslims.

The investigation will be implemented using quantitative sociological methods (telephone survey using standardised questionnaire) in which both paid and voluntary imams and dedes will be involved.