Sunni Revival in Twelve-Century Syria: A Renewed Perspective

Hatim Mahamid

Up until the end of the eleventh century, Syria (Bilad al-Sham) was characterized by the Shi'i predominance of different sects who left their mark on the political and religious landscape. However, Sunni efforts to establish its seniority in the country never ceased and were carried out by Seljuk, Ayyubid and Mamluk governors, who adopted various measures: military operations, religious polemic and educational and cultural activity. Did these measures succeed in uprooting the Shi'i presence? By examining this question, the paper highlights the socio-political and cultural reality of Syria during the period discussed. Another contribution lies in widening the research perceptive on the Sunni-Shi'i contest over hegemony in the Muslim world in the early medieval period.