This article deals with the studies of Şerif Mardin, the leading figure in Turkish sociology, on the basis of their conceptual and theoretical grounds. The sources and the context of his thought were tried to be captured in relation to the historical processes shaping them. The epistemological grounds of his methodology were evaluated in connection with his conceptual choices and theoretical antecedents. The characteristics which assigned Mardin a special position in Turkish sociology and the normative grounds of his studies were evaluated. In this way, introductory themes were tried to be developed in order to understand system of thought produced by Mardin, the leading figure of interpretive critical capacity in Turkish sociology.
ALİM ARLI