Women have traditionally played a vital part in Islam throughout Central Asia -- the vast area from the Caspian Sea to Siberia. With this ground-breaking and original study; Razia Sultanova examines the experiences of Muslim women in the region and the ways in which religion has shaped their daily lives and continues to do so today. From Shamanism to Sufism explores the fundamental interplay between religious belief and the cultural heritage of music and dance and is the first book to focus particularly on the role of women. Ritual and music are at the heart of Central Asian and Islamic culture; not only at weddings and funerals but in all aspects of everyday life. Through her in-depth analysis of these facets of cultural life within Central Asian society; From Shamanism to Sufism offers important insights into the lives of the societies in the region. The role of women has often been neglected in studies of religious culture and this book fills an enormous gap; restoring women to their rightful historical and cultural context. It will be essential reading for anyone with a serious interest in the History or Religion of Central Asia or in Global Islam.
#3134915 in Books 2012-12-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.30 x .60 x 5.40l; .45 #File Name: 1847714293168 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. They did much more than just mine coal and make iron...By engineer4pThis remarkable story began to unfold after students from Briceville Elementary School in Anderson County; Tennessee; discovered a headstone on a field trip. Little did they know that the words on that headstone; "Margaret and Rees R. Thomas were both born in Carmarthen; South Wales;" would lead them on a ten-year journey with Dr. Eirug Davies of Harvard University. His translations of a forgotten collection of Welsh-language books tell the tale of how the Welsh helped Tennessee rebuild after the American Civil War while assimilating into American society.Thanks to Dr. Davies; their accomplishments are now recognized in America and; in Wales; they can be welcomed home as heroes.
