Afrin's Kurd Dagh region before 2010 was a significant center for Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam, deeply intertwined with Kurdish identity. This collection of sources explores the history, practices, and social impact of Sufi orders in this area of northern Syria. It highlights the prominence of the Rifa'iyya, Naqshbandiyya, and Qadiriyya orders, each with distinct leaders, rituals, and community roles. The texts examine the central role of the zawiya (Sufi lodge) and the authority of shaykhs (spiritual leaders) in shaping social life and mediating between rural Afrin and urban Aleppo. Furthermore, the material analyzes the historical Murid Movement, a Naqshbandi-led socio-political uprising in the 1930s, and how Sufism provided a space for Kurdish cultural expression under Syrian state pressures. Ultimately, these sources paint a picture of a vibrant Sufi landscape in Afrin prior to the upheaval of the Syrian Civil War.
Note: This was made with AI research and AI audio output, and does not conform to academic standards. However, sources are confirmed as genuine.
This page was created on: April 26, 2025 and last updated: