The Sufi Saint of Jam : History, Religion, and Politics of a Sunni Shrine in Shi'i Iran

Spanning 900 years of history, this book explores the genesis, florescence, degeneration, and regeneration of the 'saint cult' and shrine-complex of Shaykh al-Islam Ahmad-i Jam. Cult and shrine fell into decline under Iran's first Shi?i shahs, but are enjoying a renaissance under the Ayatollahs despite being an adamantly Sunni institution.

The Sunni saint cult and shrine of Ahmad-i Jam has endured for 900 years. The shrine and its Sufi shaykhs secured patronage from Mongols, Kartids, Tamerlane, and Timurids. The cult and shrine-complex started sliding into decline when Iran''s shahs took the Shi?i path in 1501, but are today enjoying a renaissance under the (Shi?i) Islamic Republic of Iran. The shrine''s eclectic architectural ensemble has been renovated with private and public funds, and expertise from Iran''s Cultural Heritage Organization. Two seminaries (madrasa) that teach Sunni curricula to males and females were added. Sunni and Shi?i pilgrims visit to venerate their saint. Jami mystics still practice ?irfan (''gnosticism''). Analyzed are Ahmad-i Jam''s biography and hagiography; marketing to sultans of Ahmad as the ''Guardian of Kings''; history and politics of the shrine''s catchment area; acquisition of patronage by shrine and shaykhs; Sufi doctrines and practices of Jami mystics, including its Timurid-era Naqshbandi Sufis.