Nur Masalha is een Palestijnse historicus wiens werk ingaat op de ingewikkelde verbanden tussen religie en politiek in het Midden-Oosten. Hij onderzoekt kritisch mondelinge geschiedenis, theorieën over sociaal geheugen en de evoluerende Palestijnse en Israëlische historiografie. Zijn werk belicht de complexe relatie tussen de Bijbel en het zionisme, de toponymie van het Heilige Land, de archeologie van Jeruzalem en bevrijdingstheologieën in Palestina. Masalha biedt diepgaande inzichten in het veelzijdige verleden en heden van de regio.
Explores ways of remembering and commemorating the Nakba, dealing with the issue within the context of Palestinian oral history, 'social history from below', narratives of memory and the formation of collective identity. číst celé
In this magisterial cultural history of the Palestinians, Nur Masalha illuminates the entire history of Palestinian learning with specific reference to writing, education, literary production and the intellectual revolutions in the country. The book introduces this long cultural heritage to demonstrate that Palestine was not just a 'holy land' for the four monotheistic religions – Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Samaritanism – rather, the country evolved to become a major international site of classical education and knowledge production in multiple languages including Sumerian, Proto-Canaanite, Greek, Syriac, Arabic, Hebrew and Latin. The cultural saturation of the country is found then, not solely in landmark mosques, churches and synagogues, but in scholarship, historic schools, colleges, famous international libraries and archival centres.This unique book unites these renowned institutions, movements and multiple historical periods for the first time, presenting them as part of a cumulative and incremental intellectual advancement rather than disconnected periods of educational excellence. In doing so, this multifaceted intellectual history transforms the orientations of scholarly research on Palestine and propels current historical knowledge on education and literacy in Palestine to new heights.
This rich and magisterial work traces Palestine's millennia-old heritage, uncovering cultures and societies of astounding depth and complexity that stretch back to the very beginnings of recorded history. Starting with the earliest references in Egyptian and Assyrian texts, Nur Masalha explores how Palestine and its Palestinian identity have evolved over thousands of years, from the Bronze Age to the present day. Drawing on a rich body of sources and the latest archaeological evidence, Masalha shows how Palestine's multicultural past has been distorted and mythologised by Biblical lore and the Israel–Palestinian conflict. In the process, Masalha reveals that the concept of Palestine, contrary to accepted belief, is not a modern invention or one constructed in opposition to Israel, but rooted firmly in ancient past. Palestine represents the authoritative account of the country's history.
Invented Traditions, Archaeology and Post-Colonialism in Palestine-Israel
Exploring the intersection of biblical interpretation and modern Zionism, this book critically examines the justification of Zionism through a religious lens. It addresses the historical context since the establishment of Israel in 1948, highlighting the consequences for indigenous Palestinians, including displacement and subjugation. The narrative delves into the complex relationship between religious texts and political ideologies, prompting readers to reflect on the moral implications of these developments.