article

Nationalizing the sacred: shrines and shifting identities in the Israeli-occupied territories

Man (n.s.) • 28 • Published In 1993 • Pages: 431-460

By: Bowman, Glenn.

Abstract

Bowman examines the multivocality of religious shrines and its significance for both local and national secular Palestinian identities. He focuses his study on ceremonies surrounding two West Bank holy shrines, the Greek Orthodox monastery of Mar Elyas and the shrine of Bîr el-Saiyideh. Both shrines have miraculous objects with curative powers beneficial to all local inhabitants. The ceremonies are communal affairs bringing together both Christian and Muslim Palestinians who are more than able to accommodate their secular and religious identities and recognize a trans-communal identity. A shift emphasizing a more secular and national identity has occurred under the Intifada, although the holiness of the shrines has remained an important focus of devotion. Bowman analyzes the multiple meanings of the shrine and identities of participating groups. He also considers the significance of the shrine of Bîr el-Saiyideh as a possible focus of an emergent Palestinian national identity.

HRAF PubDate

2005

Region

Middle East

Sub Region

Middle East

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 2004

Field Date

1983-1990

Coverage Date

1983-1990

Coverage Place

Beit Sahur, West Bank, Occupied Territories Israel

Notes

Glenn Bowman

Includes bibliographical references (p. 458-460)

LCCN

sf 80000548

LCSH

Palestinian Arabs