Anthropological Study of the Role of Mosque in Everyday Life of Elderly Women in Tehran

This paper aims to study the role of mosque in everyday life of elderly women by focusing on the opportunities which are created by this religious place for them. This research investigates the social relationships, activities and participation of elderly women in the mosques of region 12 and 14 of Tehran municipality. The main questions are: how mosques attract elderly women and engage them in activities? How mosques provide a context for their social participation? And what is the role of mosques in life-style of elderly women? This research is conducted based on ethnography and field data are gathered by semi-structured interviews and participative observations. Findings show that constant attendance in mosques is a part of daily activities of elderly women; and even they organize their everyday time according to the activities of mosques. Also mosques are a center for their social-religious gatherings and activities and women participate in charitable activities together. This social life has a significant influence on personal life of these women: being aware of their abilities, being helpful, gaining independence and dignity. These influences make elderly women to have sense of belonging to the mosques of their neighborhoods.