1- PhD. Student of Sociology, Tarbiat Modares University
2- Associate Professor, sociology department, Tarbiat Modares Univesity , hazeri_a@modares.ac.ir
Abstract: (1873 Views)
This article explores the genesis and consolidation of the Qom religious seminary in modern Iran. It’s argued that the emergence of this religious institution in Iran as a rival to seminaries in Iraq’s shrine cities, was the result of transformations within the Shia clergy and material forces in the Middle East. Contrary to the orthodox view that seeks a transcendental origin for this institution, it’s argued here that the almost simultaneous emergence of the modern state in Iran and Qom seminary was not a paradoxical process. It's argued here that following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the gradual decline of religious seminaries in Najaf and Karbala, Shia ulama were in need of a new place to survive. That material change encouraged them to relocate to Iran and work with a state that was deemed secular.
Article Type:
Original Research |
Subject:
History Published: 2023/03/19