Dervishes along the Silk Roads: Between Past and Present

This book explores the spiritual culture within Islam that flourished along the Silk Roads, highlighting the exchange of ideas and the multiple dimensions of sufism. It emphasizes the historical, ethnographical, and social context of tasawwuf and its transmission of spirituality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 18 July 2023
Publisher: Mimesis International

This captivating book delves into the rich tapestry of spiritual culture that thrived along the ancient Silk Roads, a term coined by Ferdinand von Richthofen in 1877 to describe the intricate network of caravan routes that interconnected China, South and Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. As the movement of goods and people traversed these vast expanses, a vibrant exchange of ideas also flourished, creating a rich tapestry of cultural diversity. One such idea was sufism, also known as tasawwuf, a profound and multifaceted concept that embraced various dimensions, both in its temporal context and its atemporal essence.

In this conference proceedings, we take a closer look at the multifaceted nature of sufism, exploring its historical, ethnographical, and social dimensions. We also delve into the spiritual and mystical aspects of sufism, examining how it has been conveyed and transmitted throughout history, both in its traditional forms and in contemporary practices.

Through a series of insightful presentations and discussions, we aim to shed light on the profound impact of sufism on the cultural and spiritual landscape of the Silk Roads. We hope to foster a deeper understanding of this rich tradition and its enduring relevance in the modern world.

The Silk Roads not only facilitated trade and commerce but also served as a conduit for the exchange of ideas, religions, and philosophies. Sufism, with its emphasis on personal transformation and the pursuit of divine knowledge, found a receptive audience among the diverse communities that traversed these routes.

The conference proceedings will feature presentations by scholars and experts from various fields, including history, religion, and cultural studies. They will explore the historical roots of sufism, its various branches and practices, and its impact on the cultural and spiritual landscape of the Silk Roads.

Moreover, the conference proceedings will also provide a platform for discussions on the contemporary relevance of sufism, its challenges and opportunities in the modern world. We will explore how sufism can contribute to promoting intercultural understanding, social harmony.

In conclusion, this conference proceedings aims to provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the multifaceted nature of sufism, its historical and contemporary significance, and its potential for fostering intercultural dialogue and understanding in the modern world.

Dimension: 210 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788869774270