Christianity in Fifteenth-Century Iraq

Erscheinungsjahr 2020
ISBN: 978-1-316-63713-5
Verlag: Cambridge University Press

Buch, Englisch, 323 Seiten, Format (B × H): 152 mm x 229 mm, Gewicht: 435 g

Reihe: Cambridge Studies in Islamic Civilization

Christians in fifteenth-century Iraq and al-Jazira were socially and culturally home in the Middle East, practicing their distinctive religion despite political instability. This insightful book challenges the normative Eurocentrism of scholarship on Christianity and the Islamic exceptionalism of much Middle Eastern history to reveal the often unexpected ways in which inter-religious interactions were peaceful or violent in this region. The multifaceted communal self-concept of the 'Church of the East' (so-called 'Nestorians') reveals cultural integration, with certain distinctive features. The process of patriarchal succession clearly borrowed ideas from surrounding Christian and Muslim groups, while public rituals and communal history reveal specifically Christian responses to concerns shared with Muslim neighbors. Drawing on sources from various languages, including Arabic, Armenian, Persian, and Syriac, this book opens new possibilities for understanding the rich, diverse, and fascinating society and culture that existed in Iraq during this time.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Carlson, Thomas A

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Islam & Islamische Studien Islam & Islamische Studien
• Geisteswissenschaften Christentum, Christliche Theologie Christentum/Christliche Theologie Allgemein
• Geisteswissenschaften Religionswissenschaft Religionswissenschaft Allgemein Religionsgeschichte
• Geisteswissenschaften Geschichtswissenschaft Weltgeschichte & Geschichte einzelner Länder und Gebietsräume Geschichte einzelner Länder Naher & Mittlerer Osten

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Introduction; 1. Coming into focus: the world of fifteenth-century Iraq and al-Jazira; 2. Muslim lords and their Christian flocks; 3. Living with suspicious neighbors in a violent world; 4. Interlude: concepts of communities; 5. Bridges and barriers of doctrine; 6. Practical theology in a dangerous time; 7. Rituals: the texture of belonging; 8. Desperate measures: the changing ecclesiastical hierarchy; 9. The power of the past: communal history for present needs; Conclusion; Appendix A. Glossary; Appendix B. Lists of rulers and patriarchs; Appendix C. The patriarchal succession of the Church of the East; Appendix D. Dating the ritual for reception of heretics.

Über Autor(innen)

Carlson, Thomas A
Thomas A. Carlson is Assistant Professor of Middle Eastern History at Oklahoma State University. His research explores the religious, ethnic, and linguistic diversity of medieval society from Cairo to Samarqand to Constantinople, as well as the multifaceted and contingent process of Islamization. His articles have appeared in the International Journal of Middle East Studies, the Journal of the American Oriental Society, Hugoye: Journal of Syriac Studies, and elsewhere.