We cordially invite you to a lecture by Prof. Dr. Nimrod Hurvitz (Ben-Gurion University).
From Controversy to Conflict: Sunni-Shi`i Relations in 10th Century Baghdad
Sunni and Shi`i Islam have a long history of intellectual controversy and violent clashes. During the first centuries of Islam, Shi`i rebellions were suppressed by Sunni rulers. However, during the 10th century a new element was added: violent conflicts between ordinary believers. One of the major arenas in which Sunnis and Shi`is clashed was Baghdad. This lecture will examine how geo-political and religious conflicts such as Qarmati raids in southern Iraq impacted on the relations between the Muslim communities in Baghdad; how the two communities stoked sectarian tensions by offending each other; and how patterns of urban violence, such as arson and clashes in the city’s streets, evolved.
The lecture illustrates how the dynamics that occurred in tenth century Baghdad transformed relations between Sunnis and Shi`is.
Thank you for your interest!
The Frobenius Institute Team
