The Origins of Syrian Nationhood: Histories, Pioneers and Identity

by Adel Beshara (Editor)

Overview

The ‘Syria idea’ emerged in the nineteenth century as a concept of national awakening superseding both Arab nationalism and separatist currents. Looking at nationalist movements, ideas and individuals, this book traces the origin and development of the idea of Syrian nationhood from the perspective of some of its leading pioneers.

Providing a highly original comparative insight into the struggle for independence and sovereignty in post-1850 Syria, it addresses some of the most persistent questions about the development of this nationalism. Chapters by eminent scholars from within and outside of the region offer a comprehensive study of individual Syrian writers and activists caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty, competing ideologies, foreign interference, and political suppression. A valuable addition to the present scholarship on nationalism in the Middle East, this book will be of interest to many professionals as well as to scholars of history, Middle East studies and political science.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415615044
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/27/2011
Series:	Routledge Studies in Middle Eastern History
Pages:	402
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Adel Beshara studied Economics at La Trobe University and Political Science at the University of Melbourne. He received his PhD in History in 2002 from the University of Melbourne, where he is also a teacher and a Fellow of the Department of History.

Table of Contents

Preface. Introduction. Part I: Essential Background 1. The Name of Syria in Ancient and Modern Usage 2. Communalism as a Factor in the Rise of the Syria Idea in the 1800s and the Early 1900s Part II: The Forerunners 3. Butrus al-Bustani: Syria’s Ideologue of the Age 4. Jurji Zaydan’s Role in the Syro-Arab Nahda: A Re-evaluation 5. Pioneers of Syrian Patriotism and Identity: A Re-evaluation of Khalil al-Khuri’s Contribution 6. Henri Lammens and Syrian Nationalism 7. Rashid Rida: On the Way to Syrian Nationalism in the Shade of Islam and Arabism Part III: The Diasporian Pioneers 8. A Rebel Syrian: Gibran Kahlil Gibran 9. Between Patriotism and Nationalism: Ameen Rihani’s Vision for Lebanon and Syria 10. Syrianist Orientations in the Thought of Mikha’il Nu’aymah 11. The National Role of the Syro-Lebanese of Egypt: The Case of Farah Antun, Mayy Ziadah and al-Kawakibi 12. Constructions of Syrian Identity in the Women’s Press in Egypt Part IV: Twentieth Century Crusaders 13. Faysal: The First King of Syria 14. King Abdullah’s Project of Greater Syria: A Historical Appreciation 15. Nationalism, Diaspora and ‘Civilisational Mission’: The Case of Syrian Nationalism in Latin America between World War I and World War II 16. Khalil Saadeh and Syrian Nationalism in the Aftermath of World War I 17. Antun Sa’adeh: The Architect of Syrian Nationalism

Editorial Reviews

"To be praised for its energetic enthusiasm and resourceful approach to a delicate subject." - Abdullah Drury, University of Waikato, New Zealand; Islam and Christian–Muslim Relations, 2013

From the Publisher