Culture and Customs of the Palestinians

by Samih K. Farsoun

Overview

The Palestinians have been at the center of Middle Eastern and world history for nearly a century. The core issues of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict are still the ones that emerged in 1948, after what Palestinians term al-Nakba, the destruction of historical Palestine and the dispossession and expulsion of its people. At the center of this vortex of politics, diplomacy, oppression, resistance, and struggle are the Palestinians. The Palestinians are an ancient Arab people, with both Islamic and Christian adherents, and their traditional culture and present way of life under difficult conditions are greatly illuminated for students and general readers.

A clear historical overview of Palestine, the diaspora, and the conflict is provided, and the history colors the rest of the narrative, addressing crucial aspects of Palestinian society. Palestinians struggle to retain their traditions. Their modern social structure, values, social customs, and life, including education, in villages, refugee camps, and cities are covered. The importance of extended family and women's roles in a continuing patriarchy are also addressed. The famed Palestinian embroidery and typical food dishes are celebrated. Chapters on modern literature and the arts and cinema stress the artistic focus on the conflict with Israel. A helpful timeline, copious bibliography, and glossary round out the coverage.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313320514
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	11/30/2004
Series:	Culture and Customs of the Middle East
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

SAMIH K. FARSOUN is Dean of Academic Affairs and the College of Arts and Sciences at the American University in Kuwait.

Table of Contents

Series Foreword
List of Tables
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chronology
Context and History
Society and Social Customs
Gender, Marriage, and the Family
Traditional Dress and Cuisine
Religion and Religious Customs
Literature
Art, Performing Arts, and Cinema
Notes
Glossary
Bibliography
Further Reading
Index