"Of Jinn Theory and Germ Theory". Inaugural lecture, "Health and Humanities in the Maghrib" lecture series by the American Institute for Maghrib Studies

Clark, H.-L. (2021) "Of Jinn Theory and Germ Theory". Inaugural lecture, "Health and Humanities in the Maghrib" lecture series by the American Institute for Maghrib Studies. [Audio]

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Abstract

In this podcast, focusing on colonial Algeria c. 1890 to 1940, Dr. Hannah-Louise Clark explores how Muslim intellectuals and ordinary people learned about microbes and responded to bacteriological medicine. Many Algerians feared invisible spirits (jinn) and sought the healing powers of saints and exorcists. Was it then permitted to use French treatments and follow rules of Pasteurian hygiene? Specialists in Islamic law, other intellectuals, and unlettered villagers showed a persistent concern with these and other questions in the wake of colonial conquest and violence, as novel techniques, therapeutics, and forms of epistemic authority were introduced, and new visions of religious orthodoxy and national revival were formulated. Examining material culture and writings across a range of genres and formats, Dr. Clark argues that Islamic tradition and law were integral to the emerging science and culture of microbes in 20th-century Algeria. While Islamic reformists sought to displace jinn theories, other Algerian intellectuals and colonial officials found it convenient to explain germs in terms of jinn. Both French and Muslim elites combined religious principles and hygiene to advance their competing projects of political and social control targeted at the Muslim family, thereby attempting to displace women’s jinn-based practices.

Item Type:Audio
Status:Published
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Clark, Dr Hannah-Louise
Authors: Clark, H.-L.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Social Scientists working in Health and Wellbeing
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