You’re so vain, you probably think this sermon is about you

In one of my research sites the preachers have used me as an example in their sermons on at least three occasions, two of which I heard in person. If I had lofty or delusional thoughts about needing to avoid reactivity - observing my “subjects” without impacting them in any way - then I’d be pretty disappointed. But I don’t, and instead I’m tickled.

Beginning in May I started traveling to Adapazari every Friday morning for a meeting attended by preachers and some provincial administrators where they discuss the current week’s sermon and other related issues. After the meeting the preachers spread out around the province to their assigned mosques and deliver sermons before the start of Friday prayers. People who want to hear an extended lesson or simply come out of the elements and rest before prayers arrive early, sit on the floor of the mosque, and listen to a 40-45 minute unscripted sermon. These sermons are distinct from the ritualistic ones in the middle of worship in that they are not required listening for one’s Friday prayers to be considered valid.

Anyway, in Adapazari I have gone with two different preachers five times to observe them giving their sermons and to watch Friday prayers. The first time, the preacher was in the pulpit talking about how to be an exemplary Muslim, and to express his disappointment about the current state of religious practice in Turkey he shared an anecdote that my wife had told me over the phone earlier that morning and that I had shared with him on the ride to the mosque. He mentioned that I was an American and then said that he was embarrassed by some of the things he had heard from me.

The next week I was at a different mosque with the same preacher and he again mentioned me in his sermon. This time he told the congregation, which was probably around 100 at the time, that they had an American visitor who had traveled all the way from his country in order to study their sermons for his PhD and was traveling the provinces speaking with muftis about a subject that even they (i.e., Turks, Muslims) haven’t given much importance to. He mentioned this in a sermon that was on the importance of learning and leaving behind something of value for the next generation, whether it’s a mosque, a school, or a book (I don’t think “dissertation” made the list). He even tied in what I was doing with a statement made by the Prophet, who said “Seek knowledge, even if it is in far away China.” Apparently Turkey counts, too, if you’re an American.

The preacher finished the sermon with prayer, and among his supplications was one that my heart would open and welcome Islam. I estimate that 300 people had arrived by this point and they collectively responded “Amen.” My brother-in-law says he’s never had that many Turks pray for him and he’s lived here 32 more years than I have.

The third occasion was described to me after the fact. This time the sermon was on business ethics and the preacher told the congregation about my experiences of being ripped off in Turkey. He said he used me as an example because he knew people would perk up when he mentioned an American visitor, and that’s exactly what happened — he said they turned their heads toward him and really started listening when he got to that part. Reflecting on the moment, the preacher told me, “God willing, you will be a vehicle for auspicious works.” Gee, and all I did was complain about getting overcharged.