Persian presence in the Islamic world, The

Persian presence in the Islamic world, The

By Richard G. Hovannisian

Book Description

This scholarly exploration reveals how Persian culture profoundly shaped the spiritual and intellectual landscape of the Islamic world across centuries. Drawing from the prestigious Giorgio Levi Della Vida conference series, this collection challenges conventional narratives about Islamic civilization's trajectory after its early Baghdad period.

At the heart of this examination lies a transformative perspective on cultural evolution within Islam. Rather than viewing the post-ninth century era as one of decline, the contributors illuminate a vibrant renaissance that emerged in Khurasan and Transoxania. This renewal found expression through Persian becoming a primary vehicle for literary and spiritual discourse, carrying mystical worldviews and intellectual frameworks across vast territories.

The book traces how Persian literary traditions and contemplative approaches spread from Anatolia to India, eventually finding support within three major Islamic empires: the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal. These empires embraced and cultivated Persian cultural paradigms, creating a rich tapestry of spiritual and intellectual exchange.

Seven distinguished scholars examine the complex interplay between Persian and Islamic traditions, questioning simplistic notions of cultural dominance or assimilation. Instead, they reveal a nuanced process of mutual enrichment that shaped religious thought, artistic expression, and mystical practice across the Islamic world.

For readers interested in understanding how spiritual traditions evolve through cultural interaction, this work offers valuable insights into the dynamic forces that have shaped Islamic civilization's development over centuries.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)

📄 Length: 267 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Explore Kultur
  • ✓ Explore Islam
  • ✓ Explore Iran, history
  • ✓ Explore 15.75 history of Asia
  • ✓ Explore Middle east, civilization
  • ✓ Explore Kongress
  • ✓ Explore Civilisation
  • ✓ Explore Congrès

Topics Covered

Kultur Islam Iran, history 15.75 history of Asia Middle east, civilization Kongress Civilisation Congrès Influence iranienne Islamic civilization Pays islamiques Congresses Geschichte Aufsatzsammlung Civilization Culturele betrekkingen

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