---

Violent radicalization poses an important and serious threat worldwide. Not only concentrating on the root causes of violent radicalization, but distinguishing them from a more moderate and mainstream perspective becomes crucial for societies and countries as well. This study aims to examine the violent radicalization process from a Muslim-dominated country´s (Turkey) perspective and claims that misunderstanding key verses of Islam inevitably push moderates and otherwise tranquil individuals to involve themselves with extremist and violent terrorist organizations like the Al-Qaeda. The primary focus of the study will be on ideology, training camps and psychosocial traits that shaped the violent radicalization of the individuals in Turkey. Additionally, misinterpretations of key religious verses and consequences will be discussed. Findings of the analysis, policy implications and suggestions for future studies will be proposed in conclusion.

---

Ibrahim Sevki Eldivan, Ph.D, is working as a Police Major in Istanbul, Turkey. He had his MA in John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Ph.D in Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice. He researches in the area of terrorism, specifically violent radicalization process of Al-Qaeda members and Turkish Hezbollah

---