YEMEN'DE ZEYDİ-SÜNNİ İLİŞKİLERİNİN TARİHİ ARKA PLANI.

The study aims to explore the relationships between two of the first known sects: Zaydiyye and Ahl al-Sunna, which were active in Yaman throughout Islam history. From the beginning of the Islamic history, Yaman region has hosted both Zaydiyya and Isma'ili groups, which are connected to Shi'i tradition, and Hanbali, Shafi'i and Ashariyya groups, which are connected to Sunni tradition. Zaydiyya sect made its presence near relatively more centralized Northern Yaman whereas Sunni sects were mostly populated in Southern Yaman. It is well documented that there have been political and theoretical conflicts between Zaydiyya and Ahl al-Sunna. In fact, the relationship between these two sects can be defined as an ongoing power struggle that still exists today. However, when compared to other Shi'i groups, the relationships between Zaydi and Sunni groups can be characterized as being milder and more reconciliatory. It is suggested that Zaydiyya's approach to Imams and companions impacted the formation of Zaydiyya and Ahl al-Sunna relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]