Making of a Syrian Identity: Intellectuals and Merchants in Nineteenth Century Beirut (Social, Economic and Political Studies of the Middle East and Asia) ... Studies of the Middle East and Asia)

Exploring the origins and development of the Syrian identity, during the 18th and 19th centuries, through the role of Christian Arab intellectuals and merchants, Ottomans and American missionaries, this volume examines its background, stages of evolution, and components. It shows that the contribution of these Christian Arabs, despite their relatively small number, lies in the processes they set in motion, being the first to promote territorial concepts along with a secular interpretation of Arab culture. This Syrian identity constitutes an innovative case study in the broader discipline of proto-national identity and the study of the development of local identities in Middle Eastern countries. It is also a vital basis for research of 20th century Syrian nationalism. Readership: All those interested in Syrian history as of the 18th century and on, but also: local identity and nationalism, intellectual history in the ME (mainly Christians), Ottoman Empire during the a.m. period, the advance of Arab literature, activities of Christian Missionaries in the ME and so forth. Exploring The Origins And Development Of The Syrian Identity, During The 18th And 19th Centuries, Through The Role Of Christian Arab Intellectuals And Merchants, Ottomans And American Missionaries, This Volume Examines Its Background, Stages Of Evolution, And Components. It Shows That The Contribution Of These Christian Arabs, Despite Their Relatively Small Number, Lies In The Processes They Set In Motion, Being The First To Promote Territorial Concepts Along With A Secular Interpretation Of Arab Culture. This Syrian Identity Constitutes An Innovative Case Study In The Broader Discipline Of Proto-national Identity And The Study Of The Development Of Local Identities In Middle Eastern Countries. It Is Also A Vital Basis For Research Of 20th Century Syrian Nationalism.--jacket. Ch. 1. First Notions Of A Syrian Vision : The Period Of Amir Bashir Ii -- Ch. 2. Beirut And The Emergence Of A Syrian Identity : Christian Arabs As Agents Of Change -- Ch. 3. Re-enforcing An Identity : The Tanzimat Reforms -- Ch. 4. Revisiting The American Presbyterian Missionaries In Nineteenth Century Syria -- Ch. 5. Narrating An Identity : New Genres, New Identity (1858-1881) -- App. I. Biographies Of Leading Families And Individuals From The Syrian Middle Stratum -- App. Ii. The Various Meanings And Definitions Of The Name Syria. By Fruma Zachs. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [253]-264) And Index. The book takes a close look at the origins and development of the Syrian identity, during the 18th and 19th centuries, through the role of Christian Arab intellectuals and merchants, Ottomans and American missionaries. It examines its background, stages of evolution, and components Three developments which occurred during the reign of Amir Bashir II, ruler of Mount Lebanon between the years 1788-1840, were important for the initial steps in the formation of the Syrian identity.