Middle Eastern Politics and Historical Memory
Martyrdom, Revolution, and Forging National Identities
Published on 6. August 2020
Book
Hardback
248 pages
978-1-83860-726-5 (ISBN)
Description
How is the complex history of the ancient Near East and Islamic World brought to bear in contemporary political discourse?
In this book, Medieval Near Eastern historian Jacob Lassner explores the resonance of ancient and medieval history in the political disputes that dominate the contemporary Middle East.
From identification with ancient forbears as a method of legitimization and nation-building, to tracing the deep history of the concept of revolution in the Arab world, the author probes the historical foundations of modern conflicts in the region. A medievalist, the author takes the position that an appreciation of cultural history is essential to understanding the debate surrounding the Israel/Palestine conflict. In turn, the book identifies the misappropriation and misunderstanding of the past, deliberate or accidental, as key weapon in the ongoing conflict.
In this book, Medieval Near Eastern historian Jacob Lassner explores the resonance of ancient and medieval history in the political disputes that dominate the contemporary Middle East.
From identification with ancient forbears as a method of legitimization and nation-building, to tracing the deep history of the concept of revolution in the Arab world, the author probes the historical foundations of modern conflicts in the region. A medievalist, the author takes the position that an appreciation of cultural history is essential to understanding the debate surrounding the Israel/Palestine conflict. In turn, the book identifies the misappropriation and misunderstanding of the past, deliberate or accidental, as key weapon in the ongoing conflict.
Reviews / Votes
This volume is a long reflection on the construction over time of received memories and their recasting and appropriation in modern political contexts. Lassner is an acknowledged master, possessing broad and deep knowledge of Islamic history, Arabic and Hebrew philology, the historiography of Islamic studies, ancient near eastern studies and biblical studies, and a deep engagement with the texts and artifacts of these fields. * Paula A. Sanders, Rice University, USA *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Weight
522 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-83860-726-5 (9781838607265)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Jacob Lassner is the Philip M. & Ethel Klutznick Professor of Jewish civilization Emeritus at Northwestern University, USA. his recent books include Medieval Jerusalem (2017), Islam in the Middle Ages (2010) and Jews and Muslims in the Arab World (2007).
Content
DEDICATORY PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
PART ONE: IMAGINED HISTORY AND CONTEMPORANEOUS
POLITICAL BEHAVIOR
-ESSAY 1-
RECOVERING AND INVOKING AN IDEALIZED ISLAMIC PAST
Problems and Approaches to Competing Narratives and Historical Memories
-ESSAY 2-
MYTHS OF MARTYRDOM AND REBELLION
Recalling Muslim Self Sacrifice and Tribal Virtues of Manliness and Honor
-ESSAY 3-
MARTYRDOM VERSUS LOW PROFILE POLITICS
Interpreting the Past for Alternative Paths toward Regime Change and Political Legitimacy
-ESSAY 4-
'BEING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY'
The Concept and Praxis of a Proper Islamic Revolution
PART TWO: IDENTITY POLITICS AND NATION BUILDING
IN THE MODERN NEAR EAST
-ESSAY 5-
FORGING NATIONAL IDENTITIES IN THE MODERN ARAB NATION STATE
Inventing Legacies of Near and Distant Histories
-ESSAY 6-
THE HOLY LAND, CANAAN, AND ARABIA: THE QUEST FOR ARAB POLITY
Inventing an Ancient Past in Response to Zionism
-ESSAY 7-
THE USES AND MISUSES OF MODERN BIBLICAL SCHOLARSHIP
Academic Politics and National Identity: Egypt, Israel, and Palestine
INTRODUCTION
PART ONE: IMAGINED HISTORY AND CONTEMPORANEOUS
POLITICAL BEHAVIOR
-ESSAY 1-
RECOVERING AND INVOKING AN IDEALIZED ISLAMIC PAST
Problems and Approaches to Competing Narratives and Historical Memories
-ESSAY 2-
MYTHS OF MARTYRDOM AND REBELLION
Recalling Muslim Self Sacrifice and Tribal Virtues of Manliness and Honor
-ESSAY 3-
MARTYRDOM VERSUS LOW PROFILE POLITICS
Interpreting the Past for Alternative Paths toward Regime Change and Political Legitimacy
-ESSAY 4-
'BEING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY'
The Concept and Praxis of a Proper Islamic Revolution
PART TWO: IDENTITY POLITICS AND NATION BUILDING
IN THE MODERN NEAR EAST
-ESSAY 5-
FORGING NATIONAL IDENTITIES IN THE MODERN ARAB NATION STATE
Inventing Legacies of Near and Distant Histories
-ESSAY 6-
THE HOLY LAND, CANAAN, AND ARABIA: THE QUEST FOR ARAB POLITY
Inventing an Ancient Past in Response to Zionism
-ESSAY 7-
THE USES AND MISUSES OF MODERN BIBLICAL SCHOLARSHIP
Academic Politics and National Identity: Egypt, Israel, and Palestine