Religion and state in Syria [electronic resource] : the Sunni Ulama from coup to revolution / Thomas Pierret.

Baas et islam en Syrie. English

1st English ed.

9781107026414
9781107609907
9781139612623 (electronic book)

Cambridge ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2013.

English

xiii, 276 p.

DS95.5 .P5413 2013

322/.1095691

"While Syria has been dominated since the 1960s by a determinedly secular regime, the uprising that began there in 2011 has raised many questions about the role of Islam in the country's politics. This book, which is based on the author,©„sÌÆ extensive fieldwork in Syria,©„sÌÆ mosques and schools and on interviews with local Muslim scholars, is the first comprehensive study of the country,©„sÌÆ little-known religious scene and its most influential actors, the ulama. It demonstrates that with the eradication of the Muslim Brothers after the failed insurrection of 1982, Sunni men of religion became the only voice of the Islamic trend in the country. Through educational programs, the establishment of charitable foundations, and their deft handling of tribal and merchant networks, they took advantage of popular disaffection with secular ideologies to increase their influence over society. In recent years, with the Islamic resurgence, the Alawi-dominated Ba,©„tÌĐhist regime was compelled to bring the clergy into the political fold. This ambiguous relationship was exposed in 2011 by the division of the Sunni clergy between regime supporters, bystanders, and opponents. This book affords an entirely new perspective on Syrian society as it stands at the crossroads of political and social fragmentation"-- Provided by publisher.

First published in French as Baas et islam en Syrie : la dynastie Assad face aux Oulémas by Presses universitaires de France 2011.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 245-261) and index.

Access limited to authorized users.

Cambridge Middle East studies ; 41

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