Photography and Making Bedouin Histories in the Naqab, 1906-2013: An Anthropological Approach

A new anthropological study explores how Bedouin in the Middle East use photography to represent their history, influenced by political tensions and tribal, civic, and Palestinian-Israeli politics. Photographs are treated as evidence of local history, shaping narratives of the past.

Format: Hardback
Length: 274 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

A groundbreaking anthropological exploration of photography in the Middle East is presented in this text. It argues that Bedouin representations of the past are selective, but they increasingly rely on archival documents, particularly photographs, as evidence of their local histories in the face of escalating tensions in Israel. The author illustrates how representational contentions associated with tribal, civic, and Palestinian-Israeli politics shape how images perform historical work in this society. The conclusion reached is that Bedouin visual historicity is defined by acts of persuasion during which photographs authenticate and validate alternate history projects.

Introduction:
The Middle East is a region rich in cultural heritage and historical significance, and photography has played a crucial role in capturing and preserving the diverse aspects of its societies. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in studying the role of photography in the Middle East, particularly in the context of the Bedouin community. This study aims to introduce a novel anthropological perspective on photography in the Middle East, exploring how Bedouin presentations of the past are shaped by their reliance on archival documents, particularly photographs.

Selective Representations of the Past:
Bedouin presentations of the past are selective, as they are influenced by various factors such as cultural traditions, historical events, and political ideologies. Photographs, as archival documents, provide a valuable source of information for Bedouin spokespersons, allowing them to present a particular version of their local history. However, it is important to note that these representations are not static and are constantly evolving in response to changing circumstances.

Increasing Reliance on Archival Documents:
As tensions in Israel escalate, Bedouin spokespersons are increasingly relying on archival documents, particularly photographs, to substantiate their claims about their local history. Photographs are treated as evidence of the past, providing a visual representation of events and people that have been lost to time. This reliance on archival documents reflects the growing importance of visual evidence in shaping historical narratives in the Middle East.

Influence of Representational Contentions:
The representational contentions associated with tribal, civic, and Palestinian-Israeli politics play a significant role in shaping how images do history work in the Bedouin society. These contentions are often rooted in historical disputes and power struggles, and they influence how photographs are interpreted and used to construct narratives about the past. For example, photographs of historical events or figures may be used to support or challenge particular political ideologies or narratives.

Authenticating Alternate History Projects:
The act of persuasion is central to Bedouin visual historicity. Photographs authenticate and validate alternate history projects, allowing Bedouin spokespersons to present a particular version of their past that aligns with their political objectives. By presenting photographs as evidence of their local history, Bedouin spokespersons can persuade others to accept their claims and support their political agendas.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this study highlights the complex relationship between photography, history, and power in the Middle East. Bedouin presentations of the past are selective and increasingly reliant on archival documents, particularly photographs. The use of photographs as evidence of the past is influenced by representational contentions associated with tribal, civic, and Palestinian-Israeli politics. Photographs authenticate and validate alternate history projects, allowing Bedouin spokespersons to present a particular version of their past that aligns with their political objectives. This study contributes to our understanding of the role of photography in shaping historical narratives and power dynamics in the Middle East.

Weight: 700g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032028996