The activities of the Shi'a Ulama in Iraq during the First World War

Shi'a ulama in Iraq have traditionally played an important leadership and organizational role in Shi'a community. They have also enjoyed a significant influence among Shi'a tribes of the Middle Euphrates. Activity of ulama in the First World War years in Iraq was quite varied and distinguished for its originality - starting with declaration of "jihad against infidels" and participation in this movement, cooperation with Ottoman authorities, attraction of Shi'a community and tribes to jihad movement, organization of armed struggle against English, participation in war in the Ottoman Army, mobilization of the population to struggle and providing this struggle with an organizational capacity etc. This work also touches upon the position and role of distinguished Shi'a ulama in the years of the First World War.