A learned society in a period of transition : the Sunni "ulama" of eleventh century Baghdad / Daphna Ephrat.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ephrat, Daphna.

Series:

SUNY series in medieval Middle East history

Suny series in medieval Middle East history

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Ulama--Iraq--Bagdad--History.

Ulama.

Religious institutions--Iraq--Bagdad--History.

Religious institutions.

Islam--Study and teaching--Iraq--Bagdad--History.

Islam.

Islam--Study and teaching.

History.

Iraq--Baghdad.

Physical Description:

xiv, 229 pages : maps ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

Albany : State University of New York Press, [2000]

Summary:

This book develops a new approach to the process of institutionalization and its social significance by focusing on Baghdad during the Sunni revival. Ephrat asserts that the Sunni revival was a period during which the fluid society of the "learned", the 'ulama', emerged as a more defined and exclusive group. By unveiling the world of learning beyond its legal and organizational structures, this book explains how the Baghdadi 'ulama' constructed their social bonds and identities.

Contents:

The Framework of Inquiry

Institutionalization and Social Change

The 'Ulama' and the Problem of Self-Presentation

Chapter 1. The City 21

The Coming of the Turks

The Appearance of the Madrasa

Chapter 2. Formation 33

The Baghdadi 'Ulama' and Worldwide Scholarly

Networks

From Journeys to Schools

Chapter 3. Learning 59

Travel and Worldwide Scholarly Connections

Patterns and Frameworks of Study

Chapter 4. Forms of Social Affiliation 75

The Halqa

The Madhhab

Chapter 5. Mechanisims of Inclusion and Exclusion 95

Membership

Entry to the Ranks of the 'Ulama'

Founding a School: Career Options

Career Patterns

Accession to Teaching Positions

Chapter 6. Place and Role in the Public Sphere 125

The Religious Elite and the Ruling Authorities

The Madhahib as Social Solidarity Groups

Pious and Charismatic Leaders

Appendix A Scholarly Families of 11th-Century Baghdad

Appendix B Professors in the Madrasas of Baghdad (459/1066-559/1163)

Appendix C Qadis and Khatibs of Baghdad (409/1018-549/1154).

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 209-218) and indexes.

ISBN:

079144645X

0791446468

OCLC:

42736309