Caucasian Sufis

Sufism is a form of Islamic mysticism that has spread throughout the world. It is divided into paths (tariqas) which contain separate fraternities. Sufism is based on the special connection between the master and the followers (murids), implying complete submission for the sake of truth-seeking. It allows Sufi leaders to quickly turn scattered groups of people into a monolithic team with iron discipline.

It is not surprising that Sufism was established in the East Caucasus with the arrival of Russian troops in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. United by this ideology, the highlanders resisted the invaders for decades and turned the conquest of the Caucasus into the longest war in Russian history. Since then, the influence of the Sufis showed a tendency to strengthen during the harder times. Zikr — the Sufi rite of remembrance of God — was performed on the ruins of Grozny in the 1990s and during the mass Ingush protests in the fall of 2018.

The lack of understanding and strained relationships between the authorities and the Sufis sometimes turn into time bombs which can explode decades later. That’s why a sound knowledge of Sufism is essential to understand the Caucasus and prevent local conflicts. The photographer worked with the Chechen, Ingush and Kumyk Sufis for almost three years to capture all types of zikrs of the Qadiriyya tariqa practiced in the region.

In most zikrs participants move for about an hour in a big circle or many circles. It’s a taboo to enter the center of such a circle: this is reserved for the divine presence.
In most zikrs participants move for about an hour in a big circle or many circles. It’s a taboo to enter the center of such a circle: this is reserved for the divine presence.
Some Sufi ceremonies look like a trance party. But participants are in full earnest – zikrs are often performed on a wake. It is an offence to call zikr a dance.
Some Sufi ceremonies look like a trance party. But participants are in full earnest – zikrs are often performed on a wake. It is an offence to call zikr a dance.
A zikr is a physically demanding activity. Former Mufti of Ingushetia said that doing zikrs helped him to become a marathon champion.
A zikr is a physically demanding activity. Former Mufti of Ingushetia said that doing zikrs helped him to become a marathon champion.
In winter some zikrs are held indoors. People sweat and the whole place turns into a sauna.
In winter some zikrs are held indoors. People sweat and the whole place turns into a sauna.
Talented kids are sent for 3 years to the hafiz school where they learn the Holy Quran by heart. Graduates become highly respected society members.
Talented kids are sent for 3 years to the hafiz school where they learn the Holy Quran by heart. Graduates become highly respected society members.
A mammoth zikr is held annually in the center of Grozny to honour the birthday of Kunta-Haji, the man who brought the Qadiriyya tariqa to the Caucasus. Relics of this holy man and his relatives are exhibited in the central mosque.
A mammoth zikr is held annually in the center of Grozny to honour the birthday of Kunta-Haji, the man who brought the Qadiriyya tariqa to the Caucasus. Relics of this holy man and his relatives are exhibited in the central mosque.
Huge night zikrs happened during the mass protests in Magas, the capital of Ingushetia. Police, special forces and protesters prayed together.
Huge night zikrs happened during the mass protests in Magas, the capital of Ingushetia. Police, special forces and protesters prayed together.
Batal-Haji brotherhood is powerful and rich. A spacious house museum of the brotherhood founder exhibits his huge portrait by a celebrated Moscow artist.
Batal-Haji brotherhood is powerful and rich. A spacious house museum of the brotherhood founder exhibits his huge portrait by a celebrated Moscow artist.
After the zikr Batal-Haji murids touch gravestones in the cemetery where the family of the founder is buried. His descendants still control the brotherhood and play an important role in Ingushetian political life.
After the zikr Batal-Haji murids touch gravestones in the cemetery where the family of the founder is buried. His descendants still control the brotherhood and play an important role in Ingushetian political life.
A zikr requires a lot of energy. Huge portions of beef are consumed by participants upon completion.
A zikr requires a lot of energy. Huge portions of beef are consumed by participants upon completion.
White turbans worn by members of the Vis-Haji and Chimmirza brotherhoods are supposed to provide additional barakat (grace) to their prayers.
White turbans worn by members of the Vis-Haji and Chimmirza brotherhoods are supposed to provide additional barakat (grace) to their prayers.
Vis-Haji brotherhood was founded during the deportation of Chechens. Their zikrs look like concerts of beautiful music. Both women and men are allowed to participate.
Vis-Haji brotherhood was founded during the deportation of Chechens. Their zikrs look like concerts of beautiful music. Both women and men are allowed to participate.
Elders of the Chimmirza brotherhood greet each other before the zikr.
Elders of the Chimmirza brotherhood greet each other before the zikr.
Huge goat skin tambourines used by the Chimmirza brotherhood in their zikrs.
Huge goat skin tambourines used by the Chimmirza brotherhood in their zikrs.
The body of a deceased woman moves in a zikr circle before it’s taken to the cemetery.
The body of a deceased woman moves in a zikr circle before it’s taken to the cemetery.
A healer helps a tired zikr participant to recover.
A healer helps a tired zikr participant to recover.
The Islamic medicine center in Grozny performs exorcism to help people possessed by genies.
The Islamic medicine center in Grozny performs exorcism to help people possessed by genies.
Women silently watching a Chimmirza brotherhood zikr performed by men.
Women silently watching a Chimmirza brotherhood zikr performed by men.
In some brotherhoods, women have their own zikrs.
In some brotherhoods, women have their own zikrs.
Zikrs usually end with long chanting.
Zikrs usually end with long chanting.
A bull is taken from barn for Eid al-Adha sacrifice. The door is made from the poster dedicated to the Day of the Russian Army. The deportation of Chechens and Ingushs started on the same date.
A bull is taken from barn for Eid al-Adha sacrifice. The door is made from the poster dedicated to the Day of the Russian Army. The deportation of Chechens and Ingushs started on the same date.
Personal belongings of the Mani-Sheikh brotherhood founder.
Personal belongings of the Mani-Sheikh brotherhood founder.
Mani-Sheikh, Bamatgirey and Ali Mitaev followers violently shake their heads during zikrs.
Mani-Sheikh, Bamatgirey and Ali Mitaev followers violently shake their heads during zikrs.
Some of Mani-Sheikh followers quickly fall into a trance.
Some of Mani-Sheikh followers quickly fall into a trance.
A murid talks loudly with someone invisible, then collapses unconscious. This is considered a special blessing.
A murid talks loudly with someone invisible, then collapses unconscious. This is considered a special blessing.