Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English en
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

Multi-disciplinary Understanding of Legacy and Influence of Devotions (MULID). The Legacy of Sufism: A Study of Mulid Celebrations in Egypt

Project description

Exploring Mulid celebrations’ history in Egypt

Mulid celebrations are vibrant expressions of Sufi devotion and Egypt’s rich cultural heritage. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the MULID project will delve into the history of these celebrations, exploring their historical roots, spiritual dimensions, and contemporary relevance. By documenting poetry, storytelling, calligraphy, rituals, and dance, the project aims to capture the diverse meanings and practices associated with Mulids. It will also develop a comprehensive database of current Mulid practices in Egypt, contributing to the Islamic Cultural Archive and supporting future research and cultural preservation. The project will offer an in-depth analysis of the cultural and socio-political dimensions of Mulid celebrations.

Objective

The project aims to explore the history of Mulid celebrations, which are vibrant expressions of Sufi devotion and cultural heritage in Egypt. This project is novel in its approach, as it not only explores the historical and spiritual significance of Mulids but also examines the contemporary experiences and meanings that these celebrations hold for participants, through poetry, stories, calligraphy, readings, rituals, prayer and dance. The project will also create a comprehensive database that will document contemporary Mulid practices in Egypt and contribute to the Islamic Cultural Archive (ICA) database, thereby supporting future research and cultural preservation efforts. By applying qualitative research methods, including fieldwork, participant observation and interviews. Also, to capture the diverse interpretations associated with Mulids, thus filling a significant gap in existing scholarship. The creation of a comprehensive database documenting the geographical distribution, Sufi affiliations, and traditions of the Mulid celebrations further adds to the project's innovative contributions and provides a valuable resource for future research and cultural preservation efforts.
The multidisciplinary nature of the project is a key strength, integrating frameworks from social anthropology, religious studies, festival studies, and material religion. These frameworks will help to analyse the cultural, spiritual, and socio-political dimensions of Mulid celebrations, ensuring an understanding of these events. In addition, by contributing to digital archiving efforts and supporting the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, the project aligns with broader initiatives aimed at improving cultural accessibility and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in the digital humanities. This approach ensures the projects relevance not only to scholarly audiences but also to broader cultural preservation initiatives, enriching the ICA database with valuable insights and data.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01

See all projects funded under this call

Coordinator

UNIVERSITAT BAYREUTH
Net EU contribution
€ 217 965,12
Address
UNIVERSITATSSTRASSE 30
95447 Bayreuth
Germany
Region
Bayern Oberfranken Bayreuth, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
No data