The structural and spatial position of Sufism within Islam in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

The article introductorily presents the terminological and dogmatic determinants of Sufism as one of the ways of practicing Islam. The basic aim of this article is to determine the position of Sufism and the dervish orders within religious structures and spatial distribution of Islam in Bosnia and Herzegovina in correlation with the religious and national identity of Bosniaks. In fact, using the method of historical analysis, the article seeks to clarify the position and significance of Sufism and dervish orders in Islamic religious tradition in Bosnia and Herzegovina and their contribution to the development of urban systems in this country. The article also emphasizes the role and significance of the renewal of the dervish orders in the Bosnian-Herzegovinian society as part of the general trend of reaffirmation of religion in transitional societies, bearing in mind the importance of Islam in shaping the national identity of Bosniaks. Thereby, based on available sources and literature, interviews with members of the dervish orders and field indicators, the article with special attention points to the theological, ideological and social relation of Sufi's interpretation of Islam to Islamic religious movements with a shorter tradition of presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasizing the geopolitical dimension of this doctrinal conflict. Finally, based on available data, the article cartographically interprets the traditional presence of Sufism in Bosnia and Herzegovina.