Iranian security forces attack dervishes again
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 19 February 2009 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iranian security forces attack dervishes again, 19 February 2009, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/499e98e923.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 19, 2009
Iranian security forces attacked a gathering of dervishes in the central city of Isfahan on February 19, RFE/RL reports.
The dervishes had gathered next to the tomb of the great dervish poet Naser Ali when they were attacked.
The attack comes a day after the local authorities demolished the house of worship of the Gonabadi dervishes in Isfahan.
A witness told RFE/RL that security officials used force and tear gas against the dervishes, a number of whom were injured and several were reportedly detained.
Dervishes are practitioners of Sufi Islam, and traditionally considered by Muslims as a source of wisdom, medicine, poetry, and enlightenment.
But many conservative Muslims consider them a danger to mainstream Islam.
Copyright notice: Copyright (c) 2007-2009. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036
