Assyrians in Modern Iraq

Rezensionen / Stimmen

'Benjamen's timely book offers an original, extensive, and meticulously researched exploration of Assyrian history during a critical period of the twentieth century. Benjamen not only locates Assyrian experiences within Iraq's social, political, and cultural context but also considers their essential place within the study of minorities and Christians in the Middle East. Assyrians in Modern Iraq is a much-needed study that will surely set the tone for future examinations of an understudied topic.' Febe Armanios, Middlebury College 'With courageous, ethically grounded research, Benjamen reorients Iraq's history around transnational indigenous activists who are usually treated as marginal. She corrects many misconceptions about Assyrians in the process. Assyrians in Modern Iraq is essential reading.' Arbella Bet-Shlimon, University of Washington 'In a persuasive, well-researched, clearly written synthesis, Benjamen offers an objective and detailed study. Placing Assyrians within the historic context of the Iraqi state and the cultural mosaic of modern Iraqi history and politics, her book represents a welcome addition to the literature, and fills an important void.' Tareq Ismael, University of Calgary 'Benjamen's groundbreaking study examines Assyrians as Iraqis, Christians, and political activists who moved within regional, national, and international networks. Historians of the Middle East will appreciate her nuanced appraisal of pluralism and diversity, which draws attention to the small towns and landscapes of northern Iraq.' Heather J. Sharkey, University of Pennsylvania 'Assyrians in Modern Iraq marks a critical contribution to the study of Iraqi history, not the least because the author refuses to fall into the trap of easy narratives of victimization and primordialism about Assyrian nationalism ... an informative and engaging account of an important community whose role in Iraqi history has been marginalized.' Dina Rizk Khoury, Journal of Contemporary Iraq & the Arab World 'A must read to learn about the Assyrian community under the Iraqi state.' Joel Wing, Musings On Iraq blog 'This important intervention enriches Iraq's provincial history by offering multileveled approaches that esteem not only rural-urban migration but also urban-rural mobilities and regionalism, and in doing so, Benjamen reorients the history of ethnoreligious communities beyond marginalization.' Sara Farhan, International Journal of Middle East Studies