Cultural Entanglement in the Pre-Independence Arab World: Arts, Thought and Literature

This book explores the complex interactions between non-Arabic cultural influences and the Arab world in the pre-independence era, highlighting the creative tensions and challenges to binary views of East-West relations and imperialist-colonial frameworks. It comprises 11 detailed case studies of cultural production and influences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 26 November 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate and multifaceted interactions between non-Arabic cultural influences and the vibrant Arab world during the pre-independence era. Comprising a series of 11 detailed case studies, it explores a wide range of topics, including the songs sung by Egyptian forced laborers in the British Army during World War I, the translation and interpretation of an Ottoman text in interwar Palestine, and the contentious use of French in the Algerian independence movement. Through these captivating narratives, the book sheds light on the complex interplay of colonial pressures, traditional and innovative artistic expressions, local and global practices, notions of identity and belonging.

The book showcases how the interaction between Arabic and non-Arabic cultural and intellectual production, as well as influences from imperial Europe and the Islamic East, has sparked creative tensions that challenge binary perceptions of East-West relations and conventional imperialist-colonial frameworks. In essence, this volume aims to provide a critical examination of both established modernizing conceptions of cultural development and nationalist, nativist frameworks rooted in specific political projects.

The first case study examines the songs sung by Egyptian forced laborers in the British Army during World War I. These laborers, who were often subjected to harsh conditions and discrimination, found solace and expression in their music. The study explores the themes and motifs of these songs, which often reflected their struggles, hopes, and dreams. It also examines the role of music in constructing and maintaining collective identities among these laborers, as well as the ways in which their music influenced the broader Arab world.

The second case study focuses on the translation and interpretation of an Ottoman text in interwar Palestine. The text, which was written in Arabic, was intended for a Palestinian audience but was translated into English and French. The study explores the challenges and complexities involved in translating a text from one language to another, as well as the ways in which the translation process influenced the interpretation of the text. It also examines the role of language in shaping cultural identities and the ways in which the translation of this text contributed to the contested nature of the Palestinian national identity.

The third case study examines the contentious use of French in the Algerian independence movement. French was the language of colonial power in Algeria, and the Algerian nationalist movement sought to establish a sovereign state independent of French rule. However, the use of French in the independence movement was deeply contested, with some Algerians advocating for the complete rejection of French and others advocating for a bilingualism policy. The study explores the political and cultural implications of French language use in the independence movement, as well as the ways in which the language was used to construct and maintain collective identities among Algerians.

The fourth case study examines the role of traditional art forms in shaping cultural identities in the Arab world. Traditional art forms, such as music, dance, and storytelling, play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion. The study explores the ways in which these art forms have been influenced by non-Arabic cultural influences, as well as the ways in which they have been adapted to suit local contexts. It also examines the role of traditional art forms in promoting national identity and resistance against colonialism.

The fifth case study examines the influence of imperial Europe on the Arab world during the pre-independence era. Imperial Europe, particularly France and Britain, exerted significant influence over the Arab world through colonialism and imperialism. The study explores the ways in which European cultural and intellectual production influenced the Arab world, as well as the ways in which the Arab world responded to these influences. It also examines the impact of European colonialism on the development of national identities.

The sixth case study examines the influence of the Islamic East on the Arab world during the pre-independence era. The Islamic East, particularly Turkey and Iran, played a significant role in shaping the cultural and intellectual landscape of the Arab world. The study explores the ways in which Islamic cultural and intellectual production influenced the Arab world, as well as the ways in which the Arab world responded to these influences. It also examines the impact of Islamic colonialism on the development of national identities.

The seventh case study examines the role of local practices and traditions in shaping cultural identities in the Arab world. Local practices and traditions, such as customs, rituals, and beliefs, play a crucial role in shaping cultural identities and promoting social cohesion. The study explores the ways in which these practices and traditions have been influenced by non-Arabic cultural influences, as well as the ways in which they have been adapted to suit local contexts. It also examines the role of local practices and traditions in promoting national identity and resistance against colonialism.

The eighth case study examines the influence of global practices and technologies on cultural identities in the Arab world. Global practices and technologies, such as the internet, social media, and transportation, have had a profound impact on cultural identities in the Arab world. The study explores the ways in which these practices and technologies have influenced the development of new forms of cultural expression, as well as the ways in which they have been used to promote national identity and resistance against colonialism.

The ninth case study examines the role of identity and belonging in shaping cultural identities in the Arab world. Identity and belonging are central to human experience and play a crucial role in shaping cultural identities. The study explores the ways in which non-Arabic cultural influences have influenced the development of new forms of identity and belonging, as well as the ways in which these influences have been resisted and challenged. It also examines the role of identity and belonging in promoting national identity and resistance against colonialism.

The tenth case study examines the impact of colonialism and imperialism on cultural identities in the Arab world. Colonialism and imperialism have had a profound impact on cultural identities in the Arab world, shaping them in ways that are both positive and negative. The study explores the ways in which colonialism and imperialism have influenced the development of new forms of cultural expression, as well as the ways in which they have been resisted and challenged. It also examines the role
The eleventh and final case study examines the role
The eleventh and final case study examines the impact of colonialism and imperialism on cultural identities in the Arab world. Colonialism and imperialism have had a profound impact on cultural identities in the Arab world, shaping them in ways that are both positive and negative. The study explores the ways in which colonialism and imperialism have influenced the development of new forms of cultural expression, as well as the ways in which they have been resisted and challenged. It also examines the role of identity and belonging in promoting national identity and resistance against colonialism.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the complex and multifaceted interactions between non-Arabic cultural influences and the Arab world during the pre-independence era. Through a series of detailed case studies, it sheds light on the ways in which colonial pressures, traditional and innovative artistic expressions, local and global practices, notions of identity and belonging, and the interplay between Arabic and non-Arabic cultural and intellectual production have shaped the cultural landscape of the Arab world. By challenging binary views of East-West relations and conventional imperialist-colonial frameworks, the book provides a valuable critique of both established modernizing conceptions of cultural development and nationalist, nativist frameworks. It offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex and dynamic processes that have shaped the Arab world, and its place in the global context.

The book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the complex and multifaceted interactions between non-Arabic cultural influences and the Arab world during the pre-independence era. It provides a wealth of information and insights that will be of interest to a wide range of readers, from those with a general interest in the region to those with a specific focus on cultural studies, history, or politics. The book is well-written and accessible, making it an ideal introduction to the topic for those who are new to the field.

In addition to its academic value, the book also has practical implications for policymakers and practitioners working in the field of cultural development and identity. It highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the diverse cultural identities of the Arab world, and the need to promote cultural exchange and dialogue to foster understanding and cooperation. The book also emphasizes the importance of promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of society
In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the complex and multifaceted interactions between non-Arabic cultural influences and the Arab world during the pre-independence era. Through a series of detailed case studies, it sheds light on the ways in which colonial pressures, traditional and innovative artistic expressions, local and global practices, notions of identity and belonging, and the interplay between Arabic and non-Arabic cultural and intellectual production have shaped the cultural landscape of the Arab world. By challenging binary views of East-West relations and conventional imperialist-colonial frameworks, the book provides a valuable critique of both established modernizing conceptions of cultural development and nationalist, nativist frameworks. It offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex and dynamic processes that have shaped the Arab world, and its place in the global context.

The book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the complex and multifaceted interactions between non-Arabic cultural influences and the Arab world during the pre-independence era. It provides a wealth of information and insights that will be of interest to a wide range of readers, from those with a general interest in the region to those with a specific focus on cultural studies, history, or politics. The book is well-written and accessible, making it an ideal introduction to the topic for those who are new to the field.

In addition to its academic value, the book also has practical implications for policymakers and practitioners working in the field of cultural development and identity. It highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the diverse cultural identities of the Arab world, and the need to promote cultural exchange and dialogue to foster understanding and cooperation. The book also emphasizes the importance of promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of

Weight: 578g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788319553