Esoteric Religions in the Middle East

The Middle East is home to a number of communities which adhere to esoteric and mystical religions some of which, such as the Yezidis, are fast disappearing. This course will examine four such communities in detail: the Yazidis, the Druzes, the Alawites and the Sabean/Mandaeans. Others such as the Ahl-e Ḥaqq (People of the Truth) will also be reviewed. These religions will be placed in their historical, cultural and political context – for instance, what role do the Druze play in modern Lebanon?

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

COURSE OUTLINE

• The Alawis/Nusayris (in Syria, Lebanon and Turkey)
• The Yezidis (in Iraq mainly)
• The Druzes (in Lebanon mainly)
• The Sabean/Mandaeans (in Iraq); Other disappearing religions such as Ahl al-Haq in Iraq

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Discuss the role that these esoteric religions play in current Middle East society and Politics
2. Identify the religions and historical background to the evolution of these religions.
3. Investigate sources of further study.