Description

Book Synopsis

The Takkiyya Mu'avin al-Mulk is a building complex in the city of Kermanshah in western Iran, dedicated to the annual commemoration of the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali at the Battle of Karbala in 680, an event of seminal significance to Shi''i Islam. Private takkiyyas built by social elites were a phenomenon of the Qajar period, with their construction motivated by a political quest for legitimacy.

This book examines the intersection of art and architecture, popular piety, and the politics of legitimation. Through an examination of the building and its decorative programme, it addresses issues of patronage, Shi'i iconography and popular religious practices during the early 20th century in Iran. It further argues for the role of takkiyyas in creation of a sense of community and group identity; the formative stage of the emergent idea of nationhood at the time, amongst those who frequented them.

Piety and Politics in Qajar Iran

    Product form

    £37.82

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £44.50 – you save £6.68 (15%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Wed 29 Jul 2026.

    A Paperback by Nahid Massoumeh Assemi

    1 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Piety and Politics in Qajar Iran by Nahid Massoumeh Assemi

      Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 30/10/2025
      ISBN13: 9780755652686, 978-0755652686
      ISBN10:

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      The Takkiyya Mu'avin al-Mulk is a building complex in the city of Kermanshah in western Iran, dedicated to the annual commemoration of the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali at the Battle of Karbala in 680, an event of seminal significance to Shi''i Islam. Private takkiyyas built by social elites were a phenomenon of the Qajar period, with their construction motivated by a political quest for legitimacy.

      This book examines the intersection of art and architecture, popular piety, and the politics of legitimation. Through an examination of the building and its decorative programme, it addresses issues of patronage, Shi'i iconography and popular religious practices during the early 20th century in Iran. It further argues for the role of takkiyyas in creation of a sense of community and group identity; the formative stage of the emergent idea of nationhood at the time, amongst those who frequented them.

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account