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In line with the Supreme Leader’s command to launch software and science production movement, compilation and publication of geographical atlases focusing on political and social themes using modern map design methods has been put on the agenda. The success of “Atlas of History of Islam” which has been widely acclaimed by cultural, academic and religious centers was a further motive. To better know the geographical expanse of Shia faith and present historical facts to Islamic communities, a new project was undertaken putting emphasis on cartographic representation of historical issues whose result is “The Shia Atlas.”
Goals
The main goal of the research was to come up with new ideas and support compilation and publication of scientific works related to geographical aspects of evolution of Shia faith in order to present a correct picture of Shia and delineate its historical course through historical maps. It also aimed to provide information on the birth of Shia and its progress in central and peripheral Islamic lands in the form of a historical, encyclopedic report.
Method
This research, which focuses on geographical regions in relation to element of time, has been done in three stages. The first stage was to prepare text of a historical report on presence of Shia in the region of interest. The second stage was to draw a map to show approximate location of every region. The third stage was to draw tables to introduce Iran and Iranian dynasties.
Conclusions and discussion
The text has been based on old and new sources. The first thing to do was to prepare a historical report on presence of Shia in the region of interest followed by drawing a map to show approximate location of every region and drawing tables to introduce Iran and Iranian dynasties.
The axis of the work has been Shia in its totality which covers all various Shia sects such as Imamiyeh (Twelvers), Zaidi, and even Alavis. Relevant information has been provided according to historical course of every faith. Various chapters of the book have been arranged as follows:
The first chapter focuses on general outlines of Shia faith and its varieties.
The second chapter entitled “Shiite Imams (AS)” introduces some religious texts as Nahj-ul-Balagha, Sahifeh Sajjadiyeh, Ashura, and history of a number of holy shrines.
The third chapter focuses on evolution of Shia in various cities of Iran followed by the fourth chapter which studies Shiite governments in Iran from Alavi dynasty up to the Islamic Revolution in Iran led by Imam Khomeini.
In the fifth chapter, emphasis is put on the evolution of Shiism in Iraq centered in Kufa and its spread to other cities in addition to situation of Shiites in that country at different historical junctures.
The sixth chapter gives a brief explanation of the situation of Shia in the Arabian Peninsula and such countries as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman and Yemen.
The seventh chapter discusses evolution of Shia in the Levant (Syria and Lebanon).
Chapter Eight discusses introduction of Shia into Africa and evolution of Shiite groups in that continent.
The birth of Shiism in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia and rule of Shia community in social, political and cultural currents of those countries are major topics in the ninth chapter.
The tenth chapter introduces Shia faith in Caucasus and Turkey followed by the eleventh chapter which studies Shiism in some European countries like UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium and Switzerland. This chapter has put more emphasis on cultural centers of Muslims in Europe.
The last chapter of the book has been dedicated to Shiism in the Americas. Like previous chapters, this chapter introduces cultural centers of Shias and discusses situation of Shias in Canada, Brazil, Argentina, and Guyana in terms of population density.
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