Ramina Rezvan

Biography:

Ramina Rezvan, a doctoral candidate in religious history at the University of Marburg, explores the 'Safavid Tariqa Ethereal Aura,' investigating the religious atmosphere of the Ardabil shrine. Her academic journey shifted to Iranian studies nine years ago, sparked by a fascination for cultural studies. In her master's, she delved into the impact of religious and historical contexts on names in Northwestern Iran, utilizing UNESCO-registered Ardabil documents. Her thesis, 'Study and Statistical Analysis of Proper Names,' illuminated cultural and religious dimensions of naming practices. Currently, she investigates the Šeyḵ Ṣafī ad-Din Ardabili Shrine from a fresh perspective, eagerly seeking collaboration with project members.

Project:

In this academic exploration, we focus on a famous place of the Safavid Sufi order in Ardabil. Safavid Sufi order, also known as Ardabiliye, had a stage named the Sheikh Ṣafī al-Dīn Ardabili’s Ḳāneqāh (dervish lodge) and Shrine Ensemble. The study aims to unravel the historical, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of this Sufi order. It delves into the dynamics of staging a religious atmosphere within the Sheikh Safi al-Din’s Shrine, examining performances, rituals, socio-political contexts, teachings, beliefs, readings, incantations, oath formulas, individual participation, and ethics of the Safavid tariqa.

Pilgrimage is a focal point, and the research meticulously explores pilgrimage routes, stations, rooms, and diverse atmospheres within the Ḳāneqāh and shrine. The concept of "atmosphere" is operationalized, identifying pilgrimage traditions, social groups, rituals, performances, and distinctive features contributing to the overall atmosphere. The study seeks to connect the European debate on atmospheres with the unique context of Asian Iranian culture. A significant objective is investigating the evolution of pilgrimage etiquettes at Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili Shrine during the Ilkhanid, Timurid, and Safavid periods. This exploration aims to establish connections between specific pilgrimage etiquettes and the historical context of Iran.

Employing an interdisciplinary approach, the study draws on performance theories to explore and analyze religious perspectives, rituals, audience dynamics, cultural context, and symbols. The shrine is conceptualized as a "stage" for Sufi rituals, with spatial differentiation shaping audience expectations. The immersive transition from the vibrant city exterior to the quieter interior is a key focus. Research methods involve reconstructions of earlier stages of the architecture and multifunctional areas of the complex. This multidisciplinary research integrates textual, architectural, and material analyses, offering valuable insights into the sensory experience. Photography serves as a crucial method in this research. This visual approach complements textual analysis, bridging the gap between descriptions and lived experiences. In conclusion, the study contributes to academic discourse by providing a nuanced understanding of the historical and cultural currents of the Safavid Sufi order in Ardabil. By dissecting the layers of meaning within the Ḳāneqāh and shrine, the research tries to make history a living and evolving experience for both scholars and the wider audience, enriching our appreciation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.