Die erste Beschreibung des „Ḥaǧǧ“ in der armenischen Literatur und die Bedeutung der Rituale in der Volkreligiosität

Although the Armenians came under the rule of Islam relatively early and, in contrast to the Byzantines, even lived under the influence of Islam into modern times, we find hardly any writings among them that deal with Islam. Their writings also do not exhibit the theological depth that we find among the Byzantines or Christian Arabs. The only treatise that can be compared to those of the Byzantines comes from the 14th century and is by the well-known theologian Gregory of Tatev. Of course, there were theologians both before and after him who commented on Islam. Even though their writings contain hardly any theological statements, they are not uninteresting because they provide insight into how Armenians related to Islam.

The simplest form was not to respond. The lack of writings about or against Islam documents this stance well.  The second approach is politically motivated and extends from the 7th to the 20th century. Bishop Sebeos, for example, asked what the military successes of this religion were based on. Behind this lies open or hidden fear. The third attitude is the attempt to refute, though this is not so much at the theological level.

This article examines the first description of the Islamic pilgrimage in Armenian literature and the meaning of this ritual for popular beliefs.