Paper short abstract:

The paper investigates the representation of Sufi symbolism in Sufi plot-based new mass media content (streaming movies, social media networks, apps, etc.), with particular focus on two tendencies: either revitalization or destruction (universalization) the authentic ideas of Islamic mysticism.

Paper long abstract:

For centuries, Sufism has been the main ascetic-mystical current in Islam. After a sharp decline in the 20th century, it has experienced a stunning revival in recent decades and is currently at its zenith in diverse forms (Knysh 2017; Sedgwick 2017). Sufi symbolism, reactualized by twentieth century Traditionalists movement (philosophia perennis), is now known not only in the frames of aesthetics, culturology, philosophy or Islamic esotericism, but also, along with the rise of new mass media, in modern psychology, spirituality and entertainment.

The aim of my talk is to reflect the spread and representation of Sufi symbolism via technology: social media networks, streaming services and apps. For this purpose, the following content will be analyzed: mostly Middle East produced streaming TV series and movies (“Imam Al Ghazali”, “Sanctuaries of love”, “Bab'Aziz”, “Yunus Emre”, et al.), video games, apps and social media pages, containing famous Sufi quotes and visualization.

By exploring how Sufi symbols are perceived both by their creators and mass audience in the latter content, by relying on original texts of famous Sufis (Al Ghazali, Ibn Arabi, Rumi, etc.) and critical discourse analysis and I will try to show, that the representation of Sufi symbolism in new mass media is splitting into two currents: 1) original portrayal of religion, by making every effort to convey authentic Sufi symbolism, deepening the knowledge of both creator and audience; 2) superficial Sufi storyline as an instrument for commercial purposes, spreading the universalized and simplified view of Sufism (Witteveen 2013). I will conclude that commercially-oriented works diminish the significance of Sufi symbols and create a common misconception of authentic Islamic mysticism, and that there is still a great need for cultural sensitivity and knowledge-based production in this area.