Abstract

Shrine visitation is a widespread phenomenon throughout Sudan and the Islamic world that represents the living religion rather than orthodox Islam and is deeply embedded in traditions. Thousands of devotees visit shrines regularly as individuals or in groups. Using ethnographic research this paper highlights the significance of shrine visitation by examining some examples of the sacred landscape in Suakin, Sudan. This sacred landscape provides the community with a sense of shared history, religious and collective identity, personal and collective memories, historical continuity and belonging. The research shows that social, cultural and religious life is interlinked and indivisible from everyday life. Nevertheless, the rich intangible associations with the shrines are not officially recognised and only tangible heritage is protected.