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.
Subjects
Cultural identity and pride
Sodalities
Inter-ethnic relations
External relations
Sacred objects and places
Religious denominations
culture
Palestinians
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