Paper short abstract:

This paper aims to explore the dynamics of the construction and maintenance of female religious circles (halaqat) linked to Kuftariyya, a Sufi damascene network organized around Shaykh Ahmed Kuftaro (d.2004).The ethnographic material analyzed here is resulted of my fieldwork in Damascus (2009-2010).

Paper long abstract:

This paper aims to explore the dynamics of the construction and maintenance of female religious circles (halaqat) linked to Kuftariyya, a Sufi damascene network organized around Shaykh Ahmed Kuftaro (d.2004),who was the Grand Mufti of Syria for 40 years. The stability of these halaqat is based on the charismatic relationship connecting the female religious authorities of each circle to her followers, as well as on their ability to manage the halaqat's routines according to Islamic values. In this particular combination of charismatic and bureaucratic relationships, power relations and hierarchical positions are created in the halaqat. In order to address this question, this presentation will focus on different rituals and everyday practices connected to the female halaqat, showing how notions of "example", "model", and "imitation" of their spiritual leaders are mobilised by their followers. The ethnographic material analyzed here is resulted of my fieldwork in Damascus,Syria, from 2009-2010.