Reconciliation or polarization in Islamic bank preference? Socio-political, socio-economic and demographic aspects

Purpose - The reasons for Islamic bank preferences have been extensively covered in the literature where religion has been depicted as a strong factor. In the limited number of accounts on this subject in Turkey, it was found that religiosity is a major factor in the selection of Islamic banks. Design/methodology/approach - This study evaluates the findings of a major field work performed in the period between March and May 2011 in Eskisehir with the participation of Islamic bank customers. In the study, a sample of 500 respondents was used and a semi-structured survey was conducted. Findings - According to the findings, religiosity is not the most significant and leading factor in Islamic bank preference; instead, it was found as the fourth most important factor. The study finds that recommendation by friends and relatives is the most significant factor for the people in preferring Islamic banks. The nationalist-conservative people make stronger reference to the religiosity as a factor than the secular-modernist and leftist-social democrat people do. Socioeconomic status is not found as a significant factor in the Islamic bank preference. People in advanced age, men, people with lower income and businessmen/artisan rely on the religiosity in Islamic bank preference as a factor stronger than people from other backgrounds. Practical implications - In conclusion, it could be said that there is a strong relation of substitution between Islamic banks and conventional banks in Turkey and that the Islamic banks play significant role in inclusion of the people staying out of the banking system due to religious concerns and considerations in the financial system. Originality/value - It is very comprehensive, both politically and economically, to handle the issue of Islamic banking.