A Tale of Two Factions: Myth, Memory, and Identity in Ottoman Egypt and Yemen (Soci Econ Hist Mid East (Dis))

Hathaway, Jane

ISBN 10: 0791458830 / ISBN 13: 9780791458839

Published by State University of New York Press, 2003

About this Item

In. Seller Inventory # ria9780791458839_new

Bibliographic Details

Title: A Tale of Two Factions: Myth, Memory, and ...

Publisher: State University of New York Press

Publication Date: 2003

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis:

Reevaluates the foundation myths of two rival factions in Egypt during the Ottoman era.

This revisionist study reevaluates the origins and foundation myths of the Faqaris and Qasimis, two rival factions that divided Egyptian society during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, when Egypt was the largest province in the Ottoman Empire. In answer to the enduring mystery surrounding the factions’ origins, Jane Hathaway places their emergence within the generalized crisis that the Ottoman Empire―like much of the rest of the world―suffered during the early modern period, while uncovering a symbiosis between Ottoman Egypt and Yemen that was critical to their formation. In addition, she scrutinizes the factions’ foundation myths, deconstructing their tropes and symbols to reveal their connections to much older popular narratives. Drawing on parallels from a wide array of cultures, she demonstrates with striking originality how rituals such as storytelling and public processions, as well as identifying colors and emblems, could serve to reinforce factional identity.

From the Back Cover:

This revisionist study reevaluates the origins and foundation myths of the Faqaris and Qasimis, two rival factions that divided Egyptian society during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, when Egypt was the largest province in the Ottoman Empire. In answer to the enduring mystery surrounding the factions' origins, Jane Hathaway places their emergence within the generalized crisis that the Ottoman Empire-like much of the rest of the world-suffered during the early modern period, while uncovering a symbiosis between Ottoman Egypt and Yemen that was critical to their formation. In addition, she scrutinizes the factions' foundation myths, deconstructing their tropes and symbols to reveal their connections to much older popular narratives. Drawing on parallels from a wide array of cultures, she demonstrates with striking originality how rituals such as storytelling and public processions, as well as identifying colors and emblems, could serve to reinforce factional identity.