Shi'i Scholars of Nineteenth-Century Iraq The 'Ulama' of Najaf and Karbala' [Paperback]

Explores the social and political dynamics of nineteenth-century Shi'ism and through this sheds light on modern debates.The shrine cities of Najaf and Karbala in nineteenth-century Ottoman Iraq were the most important Shi'i centres of learning. In the first in-depth study of the period, Meir Litvak explores the social and political dynamics of these communities and the historical development of Shi'i leadership. In this context, the book not only contributes to the historical debates, but also more broadly to an understanding of modern Shi'ism. It will appeal to historians of the Middle East, Islam, and to students of comparative religion.The shrine cities of Najaf and Karbala in nineteenth-century Ottoman Iraq were the most important Shi'i centres of learning. In the first in-depth study of the period, Meir Litvak explores the social and political dynamics of these communities and the historical development of Shi'i leadership. In this context, the book not only contributes to the historical debates, but also more broadly to an understanding of modern Shi'ism. It will appeal to historians of the Middle East, Islam, and to students of comparative religion.The shrine cities of Najaf and Karbala in nineteenth-century Ottoman Iraq were the most important Shi'i centers of learning. In the first in-depth study of the period, Meir Litvak explores the social and political dynamics of these communities and the historical development of Shi'i leadership. In this context, the book not only contributes to the historical debates, but also more broadly to an understanding of modern Shi'ism. It will appeal to historians of the Middle East, Islam, and to students of comparative religion.Acknowledgements; Note on transliteration; List of abbreviations; Map; Introduction; Part I. The Community: Learning and Leadership: 1. The community of learning: concept and organization; 2. Leadership in the age of multiple centers; 3. Monopolization of leadership in Najaf; 4. Diffusion, centralilC