Black metal, blasphemy, and subcultural resistance in Turkey

Higher Seminar in Media and Communication Studies with Douglas Mattson, PhD student in the Study of Religion at Södertörn University

Black metal, one of the most extreme subgenres of metal, have been a part of Turkish underground culture since the early 1990’s. Since the genre’s inception in Europe during the 1980’s and particularly the 1990’s in Norway, it’s esthetical and lyrical focus have revolved around blasphemy, satanism, violence, and a critical stance towards Abrahamitic faiths. Despite this, it was not until the mid 2000’s that references to Islam started to emerge within the Turkish black metal scene cultural production.

Based on years of fieldwork in the Turkish black metal scene, this presentation aims to answer questions such as; which references to Islam are utilized by the Turkish black metal scene, how are these composed in lyrics, artworks, or audio? Why have these started to occur now? What are the scenes relationship and thoughts of religion? And what can it tell us about modern Turkey and its complex religious and political environment?

It will be possible to participate in the seminar both live on campus or digitally via Zoom. For more information, please contact Saga Hansén (contact below).