Grigor of Tatev

Written in 1397, at the University of Tatev, the ‘Treatise against the Tajiks’ is an extensive section in Grigor of Tatev's Book of Questions. It is so far the only known text in medieval Armenian literature that deals with Islam on an academic level. An Aristotelian and a Nominalist, Grigor organizes his critique under sixteen ‘questions’ and discusses each in a highly scholastic style. The ‘Tajiks’ are Persian by nationality, non‐Sunnites and judging from the esoteric nature of the beliefs and doctrines ascribed to them, they belong to a sub‐Shi'ite sect. As in medieval Armenian sects—who were known for their Islamic sympathies—the teachings of the Prophet are traced to the heresies of Arius and Cerinthus. The Prophet is presented as a particularly positive figure. Rejecting rationalism in religion, but insisting on the role of reason to maintain doctrinal and practical consistency, and in an ecumenical spirit, Grigor seeks common points between basic Islamic doctrines and Christian sacraments

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