The ethnologist Victor W. Turner (1920 - 1983) is among the most influential cultural scientists of the post-war period. Alongside Clifford Geertz and Mary Douglas, Turner represents the "interpretative turn" in the humanities. "Meaning" takes precedence over "function," and "culture" over "society." Significantly inspired by his field research among the Ndembu in Africa, he focuses on processes of change, conflicts, and crisis-like disruptions. Turner's studies of symbols and rituals, as well as the analytical concepts of "social drama," "liminality," and "communitas," are discussed in various fields including literary studies, semiotics, history, theater studies, theology, religious studies, and sociology. Turner's originality is inseparable from the dialogue with his wife Edith, and both undeniably recognize the paramount importance of religion.