Muslim hagiographical tradition about conflicts between Sufi mentors and Tamerlane (1336–1405)

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Keywords: Sufism; Sufi mentors; shaykh; Iran; Transoxiana; Tamerlane; power; competition; conflicts

To cite this article

Leyla A. Verdieva Muslim hagiographical tradition about conflicts between Sufi mentors and Tamerlane (1336–1405). // Lomonosov Oriental Studies Journal. 2022. N 3, p.82–92

Leyla A. Verdieva (Lomonosov Moscow State University)

Abstract

The author investigates such an important aspect of Sufi role in sociopolitical life of Iran and Central Asia under Timur (Tamerlane) as conflicts. She also attempts to analyze some noticeable incidents involving famous Sufi mentors of the 14th–15th centuries. The author considers the above-mentioned conflicts in a context of power struggle in Iran and Transoxiana that preceded the reign of Tamerlane and focuses on the interior Sufi competition between the local shaykhs for influence. A thorough study of resolution methods adopted by Tamerlane demonstrates the transformation of his priorities due to various factors — from political to personal, considering the position of the close Sufi circle.