Discussing Tradition: A Response to Two Tatarstani Colleagues
Discussing Tradition: A Response to Two Tatarstani Colleagues

Summary/Abstract: A recent publication (2019) by Leila Almazova and Azat Akhunov, part of a special issue of Context edited by Renat Bekkin, offers a sophisticated and timely assessment of the question of on “traditional Islam” (henceforth traditsionny islam) in the Republic of Tatarstan (Russian Federation). Based on an analysis of texts and statements produced by renowned Tatarstani ideologists, and including an extensive review of the recent English-language literature produced on this subject by scholars of different disciplinarian backgrounds, Almazova and Akhunov’s article is one of the most ambitious and comprehensive scholarly pieces written to date on this subject. I am honoured that one paper of mine is included in their review. Almazova and Akhunov however voice a number of critical observations about key aspects of my work. Despite my respect for Almazova and Akhunov’s experience and scholarship, I think that their review shows some epistemological misapprehensions. Furthermore, it mischaracterises aspects of my work in ways that warrant an ad-hoc response. In what follows, therefore, I would like to respond to the issues raised by my Tatarstani colleagues, while trying to advance some minor points of my own.

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