Experiences of Transmitting Religious and Cultural Values to Children of Mixed-Marriage Families: The Case of Lancaster, England

The family, as the fundamental institution for the preservation and transmission of religious and cultural values, is the smallest social unit whose importance never diminishes. Islam places great emphasis on the education of children and the acquisition of values, assigning responsibilities to the family. In particular, in mixed marriages involving individuals from different cultural and religious backgrounds, the transmission of religious and moral values to children becomes more complex. This study investigates the experiences of Turkish fathers married to foreign spouses in Lancaster, England, in transmitting Islam and cultural values to their children. Within the framework of lived religion theory, the research focuses on religious transmission practices carried out in the home environment and during special occasions, outside institutional settings such as mosques. Using qualitative research methods, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven Turkish fathers in mixed marriages and three sons aged over 18. Although the data obtained are not sufficient to allow for generalization, they offer important insights into mixed-marriage families. Findings clustered around three main themes: visits to Turkey, tactics regarding Western cultural celebrations such as Christmas and Halloween, and the observance of Ramadan and Eid al- Adha. Accordingly, visits to Turkey are seen as an important opportunity for children to establish a connection with Islam and to strengthen their cultural identity. Traditional practices such as gift- giving, mosque visits, and hand-kissing, particularly during Ramadan and Eid al-Adha, serve as the main tools for transmitting religious and cultural values. The study reveals the unique methods developed by Turkish fathers, who occupy a minority position in England, to transmit religious identity and values to their children, as well as the challenges they face in this process.