Culture and Customs of the Palestinians

The Palestinians have been at the centre of Middle Eastern and world history for nearly a century. The core issues of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict are those 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 centre of this vortex of politics, diplomacy, oppression, resistance, and struggle are the Palestinians themselves. They 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 in this book for students and general readers. A clear historical overview of Palestine, the diaspora, and the conflict is provided, and the history colours 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 the extended family and of women’s roles in a continuing patriarchy is 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.