Manuscript transcription in Khanqahs (Sufis’ centers) by reference to the manuscripts in Iranian libraries

• Published in: کتابداری و اطلاع‌رسانی
• Main Author: Habibullah Azimi
• Format: Article
• Language: Persian
• Published: Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi 2016-06-01
• Subjects: khanghahs; sufism; manuscript transcription; islamic countries
• Online Access: http://lis.aqr-libjournal.ir/article_45419_1be1dbb1b8dd8ce1bf5d47db374f8965.pdf

<strong><em>Purpose:</em></strong><em> Khānqāh</em>s were of main learning and meditating centers for Sufis in Islam. As mosques, they had libraries where Sufism-related or other books were collected. The aim of this research was to study how and where manuscripts were transcribed in Khangahs in Iran and some other countries. <strong>Methodology:</strong> Survey method was used through a descriptive-analytical approach. Searc was done in more than 300,000 manuscripts cataloged in Iranian libraries as well as in 40 volumes of Iranian manuscript union catalog, 60 manuscripts were found to be transcribed in Khanqahs and similar centers. <strong>Findings:</strong> Findings showed that: A) Transcription in so-called Khanqahs: 31 manuscripts were transcribed in Khanqahs and similar centers in various Islamic countries as follows: Kashmir, Iran, Egypt, Lucknow, Heart, Bokhara, Erbil and Erdoil. B) Transcription in centers similar to Khanqahs: 29 manuscripts were transcribed in the places similar to Khanqah, named as Zavia, Sume'a, Aqta',Maqbara, Mazar, Boq'a, Jami'a, Dar-al-ta'lim, Madrasa and Kinisa. Subject distribution were related to Sufism, poem, logic and philosophy, Quran sciences and interpretation, Arabic literature, theology, jurisdiction, ethics  and other subjects. Regarding the transcription period, it was found that transcription had been done in different centuries starting from 7^thcentury. The languages of manuscripts were Arabic (26 items), Persian (23 itemes), and Turkish (1 item). <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Khanqahs focused on transcribing religious books on Sufism, logic and philosophy, Quran sciences and interpretation. The pedagogical application and book transcription in Khanqahs were expansive in the 9^th century A.H. Due to various locations of khanqahs in Islamic countries, the dominant languages of manuscripts were Arabic and Persian.