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I only wish that I hadn't cut that section on the mutual aid services of Whirling Dervishes.
Having said that, Peter Mentzel, an excellent historian of the Middle East, did told me about the Whirling Dervishes years ago and their use of mutual aid.
Actually, I haven't. It was a pretty lame joke on my part.
The Sufi religion is quite interesting. Glad to see that you have looked into it as a social phenomenon. There is a lot of merit in the movement. The quasi-deist Ba'Hai is also of interest, although their connection with the previous rulers in Iran has hurt their reputation.
Cheers!
Just a thought.
Just Ken
kgregglv@cox.net
David, I've also included copies of the very fine collection you co-edited, The Voluntary City.