Religious Boards of Transcaucasian Muslims in the Russian Empire, 19-20th centuries

An anthology of documents reflecting the process of Islam’s evolution in the Russian Empire, in particular its institutionalization in the Transcaucasian provinces. They were drawn from the collections of the Central Historical Archives of Georgia (TsIAG) and the State Historical Archives of the Republic of Azerbaijan (GIAAR). The anthology consists of three sections. The first one contains drafts of the “Statutes” on governance of the Transcaucasian Muslim clergy and the relevant instructions and rules. The second section is based on statistical materials regarding the number of Muslim “parishes,” mosques and clergymen and data on changes in the personnel of the Religious Boards. The third one presents ritual texts and lists of religious writings that served as a guide for the clergy in resolving civil cases.

See all documents

General Introduction

Commentary on the documents