In this work, Nour Masalha uncovers the origins, history, culture and identity of Palestine, from which he detects patterns of forgetfulness, oppression and memory recovery. This rich and magisterial work traces the history of Palestine, uncovering cultures and societies of astounding depth and complexity that stretch back to the very beginnings of recorded history. Starting with the earliest references in Egyptian and Assyrian texts, Nour Masalha explores how Palestine and its Palestinian identity have evolved over thousands of years, from the Bronze age to the present day. The author asserts, based on archaeological evidence, that Palestinians are native to the land, their history is deeply rooted in its soil, and their authentic identity preceded the birth of the Palestinian national movement which emerged in the late Ottoman era and the settlement of Zionist colonies before the First World War. Contrary to the legends of the Old Testament, the history of Palestine had multiple “beginnings” that evolved over time into a distinct geopolitical area and an epicenter of regional politics.
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