Sufism in Ottoman Damascus: Religion, Magic, and the Eighteenth-Century Networks of the Holy

Sufism in Ottoman Damascus explores the historical beliefs and practices of Muslims in eighteenth-century Ottoman Syria, focusing on the concept of baraka and the role of Sufi-ulamaic authorities in distributing it. It highlights the overlaps between Sufis and ʿulamā with state appointments and argues for the existence of a Muslim priestly sodality responsible for Sunni orthodoxy in the Ottoman Empire. The book challenges the traditional scholarly approach to Sufism in the Ottoman Empire and reevaluates early modern Sunni beliefs in wonders and wonder-working.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Sufism in Ottoman Damascus delves into the examination of thaumaturgical beliefs and practices prevalent among Muslims in eighteenth-century Ottoman Syria. The study specifically focuses on the historical concept of baraka, which religious authorities often interpreted as Allah's grace, and the alleged Sufi-ulamaic role in distributing it to Ottoman subjects. This comprehensive work highlights significant overlaps between Sufis and ʿulamā, the Muslim priestly class, with state appointments in the early modern Province of Damascus. It argues for the possibility of sociologically defining a Muslim priestly sodality, a group of religious authorities and wonder-workers responsible for Sunni orthodoxy in the Ottoman Empire. The Sufi-ʿulamā played a vital role in Ottoman networks of the holy, which comprised hallowed individuals, places, and natural objects.

Sufism in Ottoman Damascus offers a fresh perspective on the appropriate scholarly approach to studying Sufism in the Ottoman Empire. It challenges the traditional position of Sufism in official early modern versions of Ottoman Sunnism and reevaluates early modern Sunni beliefs in wonders and wonder-working. Moreover, the book explores the intricate relationship between religion, thaumaturgy, and magic in Ottoman Sunni Islam, drawing comparisons with other religions and regions worldwide. By examining these historical themes, Sufism in Ottoman Damascus contributes to our understanding of the multifaceted and complex nature of Islamic religious practices and beliefs during the early modern period.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032497976