Sufism in Ottoman and Post-Ottoman Europe

Sufism in Ottoman and Post-Ottoman Europe: Entanglements in Past and Present offers the first in-depth, regionally nuanced study of Sufi networks, legacies, and transformations across Southeastern Europe from the Ottoman period through the contemporary post-socialist era.

Spanning multiple centuries and cultural contexts, this volume explores the intricate interactions between Sufi communities and broader religious, political, and social landscapes. From the conceptual merging of Alevi-Bektashism and the visual culture of 'Alid piety, to the impact of Western esotericism, Turkish soft power, and digital revivalism, contributors examine the dynamic and often contested role of Sufism in shaping memory, authority, and identity across diverse geographies. Through richly detailed case studies – from Bosnia and Macedonia to Germany and Turkey – the chapters interrogate how Sufi actors respond to shifting nationalist narratives, contested memory cultures, and local-global entanglements. This book also traces how sacred spaces, pilgrimage practices, and charismatic leadership adapt over time, illuminating the multi-layered negotiations between tradition, modernity, and political power.

A vital contribution to the study of Sufism, Islamic history, and Balkan and Ottoman legacies, this book is essential reading for scholars of religious studies, anthropology, Middle East and Islamic studies, and European cultural history.