The institutionalization of Marja`-I Taqlid in the nineteenth century Shi`ite community.

Discusses the evolution of the Shi`ite learned institution in the nineteenth century. Appearance of supreme exemplar or marja`-i taqlid for the whole Shi`ite community; Role of the exemplar in the history of Iran and Iraq; Juridical mechanism that molded the institutionalization of the marja`-i taqlid in the nineteenth century.