1. The era of the 'founding sheikhs' (1920–79); 2. Landscapes after the battle (1979–2007); 3. (Re)defining orthodoxy against reformist trends; 4. The turban and the chequebook: political economy of the Syrian religious elite; 5. Ulama and Islamists in the political field; 6. Reforms and revolution; 7. Conclusion.
This book affords a new perspective on Syria as it stands at the crossroads of political, social and religious fragmentation.
Thomas Pierret is a Lecturer in Contemporary Islam at the University of Edinburgh. He has edited two volumes on contemporary Islam and published numerous book sections and entries for the Encyclopedia of Islam.
'Empirically rich and with penetrating analysis, Pierret's book
provides an alternative history of modern Syrian politics, quite
different from those focusing on the Ba'th regime. It challenges
simplistic views about Syrian Islam and its relation to the state,
showing the great complexity both of the Islamic sphere in the
country and of the relations by which both the Ba'th regime and the
variegated ulama and Islamists have sought to use or oppose the
other.' Raymond Hinnebusch, Centre for Syrian Studies, University
of St Andrews
'Thomas Pierret's pathbreaking study takes us into the networks and
mindset of Syria' sunni religious leaders, a unique analysis of the
fabric of the Syrian upheaval, that holds many keys for the reading
of the future.' Gilles Kepel, Sciences Po Paris
'This recent study of Thomas Pierret is a welcome addition to the
existing literature on the subject, and is a comprehensive study of
Syria's little known religious scene … Pierrett's book is a thought
provoking, complex and engaging work. It is well written and
includes useful explanations that help the reader navigate through
a complex and very condensed history. The author's arguments are
also enriched by an impressive list of references.' Abderrahman
Zouhir, Middle East Media and Book Reviews
'This remarkably informative and timely book analyzes the struggle
of the high hereditary ulama (clergy) in Syria … Recommended.
Graduate and research collections.' R. W. Olson, Choice
'… the author offers … a solid analysis of the networks, the ideas,
and the activities of the Sunni clerics in modern Syria. I highly
recommend the book to students and scholars of political science
and sociology of religion, especially those interested in modern
Islam.' Abdessamad Belhaj, Journal of Church and State
'Throws new light on the Sunni establishment in Syria.' The Times
Literary Supplement
'… highlights the regime's overarching concern with security versus
institution building.' Elie Chalala, Al Jadid: A Review and Record
of Arab Culture and Arts
'… Thomas Pierret has done the world a service with Religion and
State in Syria: The Sunni Ulama from Coup to Revolution. The book
portrays a holistic analysis of condensed historical events from
1920 to 2012 … The book will be of interest to both academics and a
more general readership.' Ahmed Sajjad, Middle East Policy
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