{"product_id":"seasonal-knowledge-and-the-almanac-tradition-in-the-arab-gulf-9783030957704","title":"Seasonal Knowledge and the Almanac Tradition in the Arab Gulf","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eThis book is the first in English to survey indigenous knowledge of seasonal, astronomical, and agricultural information in Arab Gulf almanacs. It provides an extensive analysis of the traditional information available, tracing the history of terms and concepts and covering topics such as pearl diving, fishing, seafaring, and pastoral activities. It will be of interest to scholars who study the Arab region, the Indian Ocean and Red Sea Trade Network, and the history of folk astronomy in the Arab World. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 446 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 15 May 2022\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Springer Nature Switzerland AG\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis groundbreaking work is the first in English to comprehensively survey the indigenous knowledge of seasonal, astronomical, and agricultural information preserved in Arab Gulf almanacs. It offers an in-depth analysis of the rich traditional information sourced from local almanacs, Arabic texts, poetry by Gulf individuals, ethnographic interviews, and online forums. A significant aspect of the book is its exploration of the historical evolution of terms and concepts in the local seasonal knowledge of the Gulf, including an important genre related to weather stars that dates back to the ninth century CE. Other topics covered include pearl diving, fishing, seafaring, and pastoral activities. This book holds immense appeal for scholars engaged in the study of the entire Arab region, as it reveals the profound interconnectedness and continuity of cultural traditions across centuries. Moreover, it holds significance for scholars specializing in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea Trade Network, as well as the history of folk astronomy in the Arab World.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Arab Gulf region is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, which includes a deep understanding of seasonal, astronomical, and agricultural information. This knowledge has been preserved in the form of almanacs, which have been used by communities in the region for centuries. In this book, we aim to explore the indigenous knowledge of seasonal, astronomical, and agricultural information in Arab Gulf almanacs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTraditional Information Sources:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur analysis draws upon a diverse range of traditional information sources. Local almanacs, which are handwritten or printed publications that provide information about the weather, seasons, and astronomical events, are a key source of information. These almanacs are based on observations made by local astronomers and meteorologists and are tailored to the specific climatic conditions of the Gulf region. Arabic texts, including works of poetry and literature, also play a significant role in preserving this knowledge. These texts often contain references to astronomical events, seasons, and agricultural practices, providing valuable insights into the cultural and historical context of the region.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthnographic Interviews:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn addition to traditional information sources, we conducted ethnographic interviews with individuals who have firsthand knowledge of the local seasonal knowledge of the Gulf. These interviews were conducted in Arabic and English and aimed to understand the perspectives and experiences of Gulf residents regarding their understanding of the natural world. The interviews revealed that the local seasonal knowledge of the Gulf is deeply intertwined with cultural practices, beliefs, and traditions. For example, certain astronomical events are associated with specific religious practices, while certain seasons are considered auspicious for certain agricultural activities.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOnline Forums:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn recent years, online forums have become an important source of information for scholars and researchers interested in the Arab Gulf region. These forums allow individuals from different parts of the world to share their knowledge and experiences related to the region. We have extensively used online forums to gather information about the indigenous knowledge of seasonal, astronomical, and agricultural information in Arab Gulf almanacs. The information gathered from these forums has been invaluable in our analysis, as it provides a broader perspective on the topic and allows us to connect with individuals who have unique insights and perspectives.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTerminology and Concepts:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the key features of the indigenous knowledge of seasonal, astronomical, and agricultural information in Arab Gulf almanacs is the use of terminology and concepts. These terms and concepts are often specific to the region and reflect the local cultural and historical context. For example, the term \"almanac\" itself is derived from the Arabic word \"al-manakh,\" which means \"the table.\" This term reflects the importance of the almanac in the Arab Gulf region, as it is used to predict the weather, seasons, and astronomical events. Other terms and concepts used in the local seasonal knowledge of the Gulf include \"stars,\" \"constellations,\" \"planets,\" \"moon phases,\" \"eclipses,\" \"seasons,\" \"harvests,\" \"farming practices,\" and \"pastoral activities.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Evolution:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe indigenous knowledge of seasonal, astronomical, and agricultural information in Arab Gulf almanacs has undergone a significant historical evolution. Over the centuries, this knowledge has been influenced by various factors, including the arrival of new technologies, the spread of Islam, and the influence of other cultures. For example, the introduction of modern astronomical instruments in the late 19th century CE led to a greater understanding of astronomical events and their impact on the local seasonal knowledge of the Gulf. Similarly, the spread of Islam in the region in the 7th century CE brought with it a new set of religious beliefs and practices that influenced the local seasonal knowledge of the Gulf.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusion:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive survey of the indigenous knowledge of seasonal, astronomical, and agricultural information in Arab Gulf almanacs. It offers an in-depth analysis of the traditional information available, based on local almanacs, Arabic texts, poetry by Gulf individuals, ethnographic interviews, and online forums. A major feature of the book is tracing the history of terms and concepts in the local seasonal knowledge of the Gulf, including an important genre about weather stars, stemming back to the ninth century CE. Also covered are pearl diving, fishing, seafaring, and pastoral activities. This book will be of interest to scholars who study the entire Arab region, since much of the lore was shared and continues through the present. It will also be of value to scholars who work on the Indian Ocean and Red Sea Trade Network, as well as the history of folk astronomy in the Arab World.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 739g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 210 x 148 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9783030957704\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEdition number\u003c\/strong\u003e: 1st ed. 2022\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Daniel Martin Varisco","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44103265386746,"sku":"9783030957704","price":108.28,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1662165605715_book.jpg?v=1662414625","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/seasonal-knowledge-and-the-almanac-tradition-in-the-arab-gulf-9783030957704","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}