Glossary
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CALIPH |
Spiritual leader. Considered to be the representative of God on earth. |
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GHAZU |
A dangerous and often deadly raid staged by Bedouin in the desert, it can involve as few as a handful or as many as several thousand horsemen. |
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KAFEEYAH |
A cloth, of cotton or silk, that is wrapped around the head as protection against the sun and the wind. |
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KHATUN |
An important Lady, or the Lady of the Court, who keeps an open eye and ear for the benefit of the State. |
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RAMADAN |
A holy month of fasting. Eating is permitted only between sundown and sunrise, and secular festivities are prohibited. |
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SAYID |
A descendant of Muhammad through his daughter, Fatima, and her husband, Ali. |
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SHARIF |
A descendant of either Hussein or Hassan, grandsons of Muhammad through his daughter Fatima and her husband, Ali. The Sharif Hussein was the guardian of the holy sites of Mecca and Medina. |
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SHEIKH |
An elder statesman or the head of a village or tribe. One who has either political or religious authority. |
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SHIITE |
Member of the Muslim sect that broke off from the Sunni branch of Islam. The political schism developed when the former group wanted to see Ali, a cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad, installed as Caliph and successor to the Prophet. Shiites also follow the doctrine of the Imams, or prayer leaders, who are descendants of the Prophet. |
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SUNNI |
The Islamic branch that recognized Abu Bakr as Caliph and legitimate successor to Muhammad. |
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VILAYET |
An Ottoman province (of which there were twenty-four in all). Administered by a governor but actually ruled from the imperial capital of Constantinople. |
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WAHHABI |
A sect that follows a strict fundamentalist interpretation of Islamic law. |