Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Quran and Hadith Higher Education Complex, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Higher Education Complex of Islamic History and Civilization, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran
Abstract
Throughout history, Imamzadehs (shrines of descendants of the Prophet Muhammad) have always held an effective position and role in the identity-formation process of societies. These religious sites, in addition to their specific functions in the sphere of worship and spiritual training, possess diverse functions in social and cultural arenas, considering their local ecological conditions. This has led to a network of behaviors, customs, and social interactions forming between the Imamzadehs and the people surrounding them. The present research was conducted with a descriptive-analytical approach, and its data were collected through library studies, field observations, and interviews with the residents of Alamshir village. Data analysis focused on the religious, social, and cultural functions of Imamzadeh Ghasem within the historical and ecological context of the village. The findings indicate that Imamzadeh Ghasem has played a pivotal role in organizing the social and cultural relationships in Alamshir village, having a significant impact, especially in three areas: Cultural-Religious Identity-Bestowal, Social Functions, and Architectural-Historical Identity. Concrete manifestations of this identity-bestowing function include the focus of religious rituals, the assembly of religious and social gatherings, the establishment of a public cemetery, the foundation of a Hosseiniyeh (congregational hall), and the continuation of collective relations in the vicinity of the Imamzadeh. The evidence suggests that the function of Imamzadeh Ghasem in Alamshir village goes beyond that of a mere pilgrimage site. This sacred sanctuary, acting as an identity-forming center, has played a decisive role in strengthening the sense of belonging, social cohesion, and the reproduction of the residents’ religious and cultural identity; such that the human ecosystem of Alamshir has taken shape and endured in a meaningful and lasting bond with this sacred place.
Keywords
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