Shi'i Islam has been the official religion of Iran from the Safavids (1501-1732) to the present day. The Shi'i world experience has provided a rich artistic tradition, encompassing painting, sculpture, and the production of artifacts and performance, which has helped to embed Shi'i identity in Iran as part of its national narrative. In what areas of material culture has Iranian Shi'ism manifested itself through objects or buildings that are unique within the overall culture of Islam? To what extent is the art and architecture of Iran from the Safavid period onwards identifiably Shi'i? What...

This volume's contributors present and discuss different aspects of their experience with regard to Muslim women's rituals and devotional practices in Shiite Iran. One of the main aims of the book is to broaden the understanding of women's devotional lives, as well as to call attention to general social change. Most of the contributions are based on field research, direct observation, and participation in rituals. This provides a unique opportunity to better understand methodological challenges related to gender issues and field research among Muslim communities. (Series: Iranian Studies -...