Unravelling the Ṭawāsīn of Ḥallāj, A Conversation

The Kitāb al-Ṭawāsīn of the Sufi al-Ḥallāj (d. 922 CE) is a fascinating versified mystical treatise of a monumental and intriguing figure in the history of Sufism. Ḥallāj was mercilessly executed by Abbasid rulers in a mêlée of political and sectarian machinations. His fateful cry “I am the Truth” has echoed in Sufi chambers until this day, generating a legacy of devotional, romantic, and even secular resistance poetry and prose. Join the Carolina Asia Center in a conversation between two distinguished scholars and translators of the Ṭawāsīn.

In conversation:

• Carl Ernst, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Islamic Studies, UNC-Chapel Hill
• Nomanul Haq, Dean, University of Management and Technology, Lahore