THE ROLE OF THE RELIGIONIN THE IDENTITY FORMATION PROCESS

THE CASE OF BULGARIAN MUSLIMS (POMAKS)

Abstract

The goal of my study is to argue that the identity of Bulgarian Muslims (Pomaks) is not a unified category but just the opposite, it is in a constant change and involve contradicting elements. This reality emphasizes the fact that identities are constructed in particular discourse and power relations and when we talk about identities, we could not anymore reduce or interpret them only as prescribed attributes and meanings but as an attempt to separate and exclude. Furthermore, my analysis provides arguments that Bulgarian Muslims rely on the religious tradition to build their cosmos and thus to place themselves in the social reality. In its essence this is a process of identity formation but at the same time  it is also a process of differentiation and closure. Being aware of the fact that the identity includes prescribed meanings, Bulgarian Muslims (Pomaks) refuse to accept the established and try to create new subject positions for themselves in which they are valued for their sociocultural specifics stemming from their religious and cultural tradition.