Context for Research
(1) Context for Research: Provide background information about the controversy within your field of study that you intend to investigate. Address the ollowing questions:
• What is the current controversy you aim to explore?
• Who is your target audience, and why have you chosen them?
• What is your specific research question?
• Why is this research question important to your chosen audience?
(2) Researcher Intentions & Positionality: Share why this research question personally interests you and your motivations for pursuing it this semester.
Consider the following:
• Who are you, and what is your positionality?
• Share relevant Identity markers (race, ethnicity, nationality, age, ability, economic dass, education level, sexuality, gender, religion).
• Share personal experiences or stories that explain your connection to the research.
(3) Importance/Significance of Conducting this Research: Articulate the importance of your research, not only to yourself but to potential groups like students or future researchers. Reflect on the significance of contributing to the ongoing conversation through conversational inquiry.
Context for Research
(1) The current controversy I aim to explore revolves around the historical significance of Ottoman Mecca and the Indian Ocean Hajj. There is ongoing debate and discourse within the field of Ottoman and Islamic studies regarding the role of Mecca as a transit point for pilgrims from the Indian Ocean region during the late Ottoman Empire. My research seeks to delve deeper into this topic and shed light on the multifaceted connections between the Ottoman Empire, Mecca, and the pilgrims who traveled there.
My target audience for this research includes scholars and students in the fields of Ottoman history, Islamic studies, and Indian Ocean studies. I have chosen this audience because they are already engaged in the conversation surrounding these topics and would benefit from further insights and analysis. Additionally, this research may also be of interest to individuals interested in the history of pilgrimage, transregional connections, and the dynamics of power in the late Ottoman Empire.
The specific research question I aim to address is: What were the political, social, and economic implications of Mecca's role as a transit point for pilgrims from the Indian Ocean region during the late Ottoman Empire?
This research question is important to my chosen audience because it fills a gap in our understanding of the historical connections between Mecca and the Indian Ocean region. By examining the implications of the Indian Ocean Hajj, we can gain insights into the broader dynamics of the late Ottoman Empire, including its efforts to exert control over Mecca, its engagement with diverse pilgrims, and the impact of these interactions on political, social, and economic networks.
(2) As a researcher, I am an individual with a background in history and a deep interest in the historical connections between different regions and cultures. My positionality includes being a student of history and a person who values the importance of understanding diverse historical perspectives. While my personal experiences may not directly relate to the research question at hand, my motivation stems from a curiosity to explore and contribute to conversations that shed light on lesser-known aspects of history.
(3) The importance of conducting this research extends beyond my personal interest. By delving into the significance of Ottoman Mecca and the Indian Ocean Hajj, this research contributes to the ongoing conversation within academic circles. It adds nuance and depth to our understanding of the late Ottoman Empire, Mecca's role as a center of pilgrimage, and the connections between different regions in the Indian Ocean world. This research also has the potential to inspire future scholars to further explore this topic and contribute to our collective knowledge of history. By engaging in conversational inquiry, we can continue to uncover hidden narratives, challenge existing interpretations, and foster a deeper understanding of historical complexities.