1st Edition
The Origins of Syrian Nationhood Histories, Pioneers and Identity
The ‘Syria idea’ emerged in the nineteenth century as a concept of national awakening superseding both Arab nationalism and separatist currents. Looking at nationalist movements, ideas and individuals, this book traces the origin and development of the idea of Syrian nationhood from the perspective of some of its leading pioneers.
Providing a highly original comparative insight into the struggle for independence and sovereignty in post-1850 Syria, it addresses some of the most persistent questions about the development of this nationalism. Chapters by eminent scholars from within and outside of the region offer a comprehensive study of individual Syrian writers and activists caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty, competing ideologies, foreign interference, and political suppression. A valuable addition to the present scholarship on nationalism in the Middle East, this book will be of interest to many professionals as well as to scholars of history, Middle East studies and political science.
Preface. Introduction. Part I: Essential Background 1. The Name of Syria in Ancient and Modern Usage Lamia Rustum Shehadeh 2. Communalism as a Factor in the Rise of the Syria Idea in the 1800s and the Early 1900s Arnon Groiss Part II: The Forerunners 3. Butrus al-Bustani: Syria’s Ideologue of the Age Stephen Sheehi 4. Jurji Zaydan’s Role in the Syro-Arab Nahda: A Re-evaluation Thomas Philipp 5. Pioneers of Syrian Patriotism and Identity: A Re-evaluation of Khalil al-Khuri’s Contribution Fruma Zachs 6. Henri Lammens and Syrian Nationalism Asher Kaufman 7. Rashid Rida: On the Way to Syrian Nationalism in the Shade of Islam and Arabism Eyal Zisser Part III: The Diasporian Pioneers 8. A Rebel Syrian: Gibran Kahlil Gibran Adel Beshara 9. Between Patriotism and Nationalism: Ameen Rihani’s Vision for Lebanon and Syria Nijmeh Hajjar 10. Syrianist Orientations in the Thought of Mikha’il Nu’aymah John Daye 11. The National Role of the Syro-Lebanese of Egypt: The Case of Farah Antun, Mayy Ziadah and al-Kawakibi Caesar E. Farah 12. Constructions of Syrian Identity in the Women’s Press in Egypt Marilyn Booth Part IV: Twentieth Century Crusaders 13. Faysal: The First King of Syria Muhannad Salhi 14. King Abdullah’s Project of Greater Syria: A Historical Appreciation C. Ernest Dawn 15. Nationalism, Diaspora and ‘Civilisational Mission’: The Case of Syrian Nationalism in Latin America between World War I and World War II Christoph Schumann 16. Khalil Saadeh and Syrian Nationalism in the Aftermath of World War I Sofia Saadeh 17. Antun Sa’adeh: The Architect of Syrian Nationalism Adel Beshara
Biography
Adel Beshara studied Economics at La Trobe University and Political Science at the University of Melbourne. He received his PhD in History in 2002 from the University of Melbourne, where he is also a teacher and a Fellow of the Department of History.
"To be praised for its energetic enthusiasm and resourceful approach to a delicate subject." - Abdullah Drury, University of Waikato, New Zealand; Islam and Christian–Muslim Relations, 2013
