The Contribution of Traditional Turkish Schools to Teaching the Arabic Language and reserving Religious Identity

Abstract

      This study examines the contribution of traditional Turkish schools to Arabic language education and the preservation of religious identity. These schools represent a long-standing educational tradition that has played a significant role in teaching Arabic as the language of Islamic sciences and in strengthening religious awareness among learners. The research addresses the extent to which traditional Turkish schools continue to fulfill their linguistic and identity-related functions amid contemporary educational transformations, the dominance of modern formal curricula, and the widespread use of technology-based language programs. The study aims to analyze the linguistic and religious roles of these institutions, explore their methods and approaches to Arabic language instruction, and investigate their impact on reinforcing religious identity while assessing their ability to adapt to modern educational developments without compromising their traditional foundations. To achieve these objectives, the study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach based on examining the reality of traditional Turkish schools and analyzing their educational practices in light of contemporary educational and linguistic literature.

     The findings reveal that traditional Turkish schools continue to play an effective role in teaching Arabic, particularly in enabling learners to understand and analyze Islamic texts. Arabic instruction in these institutions is not treated merely as a linguistic skill but rather as part of an integrated educational project aimed at strengthening religious awareness and Islamic identity. The study also demonstrates a strong relationship between Arabic language acquisition and the development of religious affiliation and value-based consciousness among learners. Despite facing challenges related to limited use of modern educational technologies and insufficient emphasis on communicative language skills, these schools have maintained their core educational and identity-preserving functions. The study concludes that a balanced integration of authenticity and modernity can further enhance their contribution to Arabic language education and the preservation of religious identity.