Sheikh Shalbuz
Khinalug · mortal · Khinalug traditional religion; continuing · Recorded classification
Sheikh Shalbuz, recorded by Volkova as the Shikhshalbaraz-baba pir, is venerated at a shrine and mosque in Khinalug. Legend makes him a pious scholar who came from Iraq in the thirteenth century, taught Islam, Arabic and Persian in the village madrasa, was credited with foresight and the power to heal by touch, and whose tomb was found to contain an old library. Villagers still pray and make vows at the shrine, especially during Ramadan. Sources give his name in several forms, and it is uncertain whether the Khinalug saint is to be identified with the Lezgin Sheikh Shalbuz for whom Mount Shalbuzdag is named.
Domains
- islamic learning
- healing
Powers
- heal the sick by touch
- possess foresight
Sources
- Volkova records a Shikhshalbaraz-baba pir at Khinalug; local legend tells of Sheikh Shalbuz, a pious scholar who came from Iraq in the 13th century, taught in the village madrasa, and could heal by touch and foresee events.: N. G. Volkova, 'Khinalughs', Encyclopedia of World Cultures vol. VI (1994): Shikhshalbarazbabe pir. (secondary); 'Khinalig and Koch Yolu' State Historical-Cultural and Ethnographic Reserve, Discover Khinalig (khinalig.heritage.org.az). (primary)