Evaluate the role of Sufism in medieval Islamic societies as both a spiritual and social force. How did Sufi orders spread and institutionalize across different regions, and what was the impact of their ideas on the broader Islamic tradition? (Explain the success of Sufi ideas and institutions in Islamic lands from 1100 to 1500. Answer in reference to the extract from “The Conference of the Birds” by al-ʿAttar (died 1221, Nishapur, Iran).General Essay Instructions: Your research essay should have:
- Clear, coherent argument supported by evidence.
- The evidence should normally consist of a selection of case-studies, as it is impossible to cover the entire period.
- Case-studies / examples will normally be drawn from secondary literature, but a first-class essay should show some engagement with primary sources.
- Understanding of the historical context & awareness of developments over time during the period under discussion.
- Understanding of the arguments and evidence provided by different modern historians.
- Clear writing & references.
Below I will attach readings from the course/potential essay sources. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or requests for more class sources.