Poetics of Arabian S?qs

<p>This book investigates the history of Arabian sūqs from their pre-Islamic beginnings to the present. Collecting evidence from archaeological ruins, Islamic towns, modern cities, Arabic poetry, philosophical debates, political conflicts, puppet shows and the insights of modern-day market-goers, the book presents new and unforeseen interpretations of the Arabian sūq’s meaning and its transformation through time and place. The finding that such meaning is tied to ancient trade rituals, where temple and market presented a holistic socio-urban unit, re-questions some instrumental assumptions regarding the value of sūq-ness in Arabia’s everyday practices. Such a finding, which locates the <em>fadaā</em>/<em>tareeq</em> duality as a central theme in Arabia’s socio-urban discourse, emphasizes the importance of lived experiences and poetics as key sources for understanding socio-urban phenomena.</p> <p>List of Illustrations. Preface. Introduction: A Personal Impression, A Problem, A Method. Chapter 1: Arab-ness in between Prejudice and Prehension. Chapter 2: The Arabian Sūq in Contemporary Discourse. Chapter 3: Pre-Islamic Arabia in-between fadaā and tareeq. Chapter 4: Islamic Arabia in-between tajalli and wahm. Chapter 5: Post-Islamic Arabia in-between Tradition and Progress. Chapter 6: The Arabian Sūq’s Past, Present and Future. Bibliography. Index.</p>