Resistance et devotion: Anciens sanctuaires ibadites de Djerba

A volume explores the memory of ancient mosques in Djerba, Tunisia, through a well-illustrated corpus of 48 buildings. The main source is Rasāil dal-Ḥīlātī, which highlights the importance of piety and study to the Ibadites. The analysis of the buildings reveals their defensive infrastructure, reflecting internal struggles and external threats from Tunis or European powers. The mosques defended their particularism in a Maghreb increasingly influenced by Malikite and Arabization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2023
Publisher: BILNAS - British Institute for Libyan & Northern African Studies

A comprehensive exploration of the ancient mosques in Djerba delves into their rich history, supported by a meticulously illustrated corpus of 48 buildings. This volume offers a detailed account of the Ibadite community and their unwavering struggle to preserve their unique identity. The primary source for this study is Rasāil dal-Ḥīlātī, written in the late 17th century by an eyewitness to the events. Through his writings, dal-Ḥīlātī highlights the profound significance of piety and scholarly pursuits for these people. The pervasive influence of religion is evident in the multitude of prayer spaces and the sacred meshwork that characterizes the island. Whether it be at the tomb of a renowned scholar, a modest prayer square, or a grand mosque, the faithful remember the values of religion and respect for their ancestors. An analysis of the architectural features of these buildings reveals their distinct infrastructure, characterized by defensive elements such as buttresses, thick walls, defensive parapets, loopholes, and machicolations. These architectural features not only showcase internal conflicts between the Wahbite Ibadies and the Nukkārites but also indicate the external threats posed by Tunis or European powers. The Ibadites, in their quest to maintain their distinct identity, fiercely defended their particularism in a Maghreb that was increasingly influenced by Malikite and Arab cultural norms.

Weight: 1222g
Dimension: 209 x 296 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915808035