Mysticism is often thought of as belonging to the worlds of the abstract and the transcendental. In Iran, however, many people report turning to mysticism as a way to help navigate their everyday lives, according to Seema Golestaneh, associate professor of Near Eastern Studies. She explores this phenomenon in her new book, Unknowing and the Everyday: Sufism and Knowledge in Iran (Duke University Press, February 2023) and in a Chats in the Stacks book talk, Golestaneh will discuss the role of Sufism and modernity in Iran, especially the ways that the unknowing of knowledge can open more new possibilities of thinking about modern life.

This book talk is hosted by Olin Library. Light refreshments will be served.