Sheikh Ma‘rûf al-Barzanjî and His Role in Growth of Qādiriyya Order in and around Sulaymaniyah

Sulaymaniyah, today one of the largest cities in Northern Iraq, was one of the regions that the sufi order of Qādiriyya spread in 17th century. And in this region, Barzanji Family is the largest representatives of the Qādiriyya order. Since 17th century, Qādiriyya order has been represented in Sulaymaniyah by the sheikhs who were among the members of this family. Among these Sufi masters the most famous one was Sheikh Ma‘ruf al-Nûdehî al-Barzanjî (d. 1839) who turned Qādiriyya into a much more active and widespread order in Sulaymaniyah at the end of 18th century. Through Sheikh Mar‘uf’s knowledge and guidance, Barzanjî family’s prestige in the region increased. On the other hand, for many years, the absence of any other order in and around Sulaymaniyah gave Sheikh Ma‘ruf the opportunity to spread the teachings of Qādiriyya. The Qādiriyya order continued after his death, and Sheikh Ma‘ruf’s children and grandchildren have been the leading figures who guide the social and political events along with their affiliation to the Sufi order.

Keywords

Sheikh Ma‘ruf, Barzanjî, Sufi order, Qādiriyya, Sulaymaniyah.