Review of Elvire Corboz, Guardians of Shi'ism. Sacred Authority and Transnational Family Networks (Edinburgh University Press, 2015), Review of Middle East Studies 51,2 (2017): 275-278 (original) (raw)
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Elvire Corboz's "Guardians of Shi'ism" explores the dynamics of sacred authority and the transnational family networks within Shi'ism, particularly focusing on the mechanisms by which clerical families maintain and extend their influence across religious and political realms. The work critically examines notable figures and their legacies in the context of Iraqi history and Shi'a Islamic leadership, while also addressing significant omissions related to ethnic identity and regional conflicts. The review highlights the book's contributions to the understanding of Shi'ism and suggests areas for further research, emphasizing a need for a more inclusive narrative that encompasses various ethnic and political dimensions of the region.
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