Conjuring Karbala Online and Offline

What is it about?

Majlis sermons are a ritual practiced by Shi'a muslims globally. These sermons combine religious knowledge, storytelling, and lamentation. They take place over the Islamic month of Muharram and commemorate important figures and historical events in Shi'ism. _x000D_ Majlis sermons have always been mediated in tandem with technological advancements such as tv and radio. In recent years, and especially since Covid19-related lockdowns, videos of majalis have begun appearing online._x000D_ This research explores how people experience majlis sermons in both traditional/offline and online contexts. It looks at how the experience changes for audiences, and how the orators giving the sermons try to adapt according to a new medium.

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