This course will examine the daily-life experience of religious minorities, both Muslim and non-Muslim, in the medieval Middle East. Through Arabic narrative sources and documents as well as background secondary readings topics we will treat such topics as the theory and practice of the legal position of non-muslims – where did non-Muslims turn in case of conflict and problems – , the relation between social, economic and political hierarchies and religion, to what extent different Muslim and non-Muslim communities were intertwined, co-existed, competed and how this differed throughout the medieval Middle East.
Timetable
Fridays, 9.15-12 hs. For the most recent update of the timetable click here
Method of instruction
Seminar, weekly attendance and participation required.
Required reading
- Literature and readings to be announced in class.
Examination
Participation and in-class presentation on weekly to be studied literature (40%)
Final paper (60%)
Information
Blackboard/webpage
Yes: Blackboard
Remarks
Registration via U-twist.
Overview
1 Introduction: sources and problems
2 Early Islam: From Arabs to Muslims
3 Dhimmis in court: Islamic law and other forms of legal recourse
4 A global commercial network: The Genizah and the Indian Ocean Trade
5 Doctors and scientists
6 Egyptian Christians in the Fatimid administration
7 Muslim minorities: The Shi’ites and Alids
8 Muslims at the Norman court in Sicily
9 Who to turn to in distress: Petitions
10 Feasts and rituals
11 Family life: Marriage, divorce and birth
12 Shrines and pilgrimage
13 Convivencia?