Medyumlar

Medyumlar are individuals in Turkish-speaking communities who claim to have access to information from the spiritual realm. They may present themselves as mediums who can communicate with the deceased, spirits, or other entities, and as advisers who can foretell future events or offer guidance. Some medyumlar work through trance or possession, automatic writing, or psychometric reading of objects; others use more traditional fortune-telling methods such as reading signs, interpreting dreams, or listening to messages attributed to spirits. Consultations can take place in private settings, at markets or fairs, or as part of longer spiritual sessions.

In many contexts medyumlar are part of the broader spectrum of folk beliefs and spiritual practices in Turkey and among Turkish-speaking communities. They may draw on Islamic or Sufi symbolism or on local traditions, and some claim alignment with religious authorities while others operate outside formal religious structures. Clients seek medyumlar for comfort in grief, personal decisions, or problems that people feel cannot be solved through ordinary means.

Criticism and regulation: The field is often controversial. There is limited scientific evidence for claimed abilities, and some practitioners have been accused of fraud or coercive behavior. Regulations vary by country and jurisdiction; in some places, consumer-protection measures address deceptive practices in fortune-telling and psychics.

Related topics include medium, fortune-telling, spiritualism, and folk belief.