Culture and Customs of the Palestinians (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780313320514)

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.

Author: Samih K. Farsoun
ISBN-10: 0313320519
ISBN-13: 9780313320514
Publisher: Greenwood
Language: English
Published: 11/30/2004
Pages: 192
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.92lbs
Size: 9.44h x 6.14w x 0.74d

Review Citation(s):
American Reference Bks Annual 01/01/2005 pg. 64
Multicultural Review 09/01/2005 pg. 18