2026/01/28 by Habib Sharafi Safa
Arts and Humanities · Social Sciences · #Islamic Studies and History #Islamic Thought and Society Studies #Medieval History and Crusades
paper · doi:10.1093/hisres/htaf037
openalex publication_date 2026/01/28 · openalex created_date 2026/07/30 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Abstract This article explores the historical roots of Sufi dervishes, the Qalandariyya, critically assessing the prevailing theories in the field. It traces the ancient origins, examining the eclectic nature of the Qalandariyya and focusing on the region of Hamadan, a region of significant historical importance in Iran, along with its eastern and northeastern areas. During the Islamic period, Hamadan was a notable centre for diverse religious groups, including Mazdakiyya, Khurram-dīnī, Isma’ili and Ahl-i Ḥaqq. This article argues that the influence of these ancient religions was instrumental in shaping the Qalandariyya’s eclectic character. It demonstrates that Hamadan and its surrounding regions were key centres for the development and dissemination of the Qalandariyya. Prominent figures such as Jamal-al-Din Savi, Fakhr al-Din Iraqi and Jalal al-Din Dargazini, all of whom played significant roles in the history of the Qalandariyya, originated from Hamadan and its districts. Notably, Savi and Dargazini were instrumental in spreading the Qalandariyya to other Islamic regions, including Syria.