Tag: Middle East
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The Impact of the 1979 Revolution on Iranian Women: Gains, Losses, and Contradictions
The Iranian Revolution of 1979, led by Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini, drastically altered women’s rights, particularly the rights of middle- and upper-class women. Yael Frankie discusses the previous regime, the Shah’s regime, in comparison with Khomeini’s policies which severely restricted women’s economic and personal autonomy.
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The role of Khomeini in the 1979 Iranian Revolution
The 1979 Iranian Revolution resulted in the toppling of the Pahlavi dynasty and the creation of the Islamic Republic. Olivia Norbury acknowledges Khomeini’s role in unifying the Iranian people and cementing the ideology of political Islam. However, Norbury also seeks to explore other reasons for revolution, such as Shari’ati’s ideology and secular beliefs.
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Rethinking the Nahda: Decentring Europe in the Arab Renaissance
The Nahda, also known as the Arab Renaissance, was a set of reforms surrounding education, traditional thought and culture. Olivia Norbury explores the differing perspectives of historians on the Arab Renaissance, with many viewing it as a complicated and nuanced process of modernisation.
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Through a Colonial Lens: Photography and the ‘Orient’
The invention of the first commercial camera triggered a widespread interest in capturing the landscape and people of the so-called ‘Orient’. Yael Frankie explores the multifaceted nature of photography, both acting as a means to perpetuate harmful stereotypes of the ‘Orient’ as backwards, but also allowing for counter narratives and photographs from non-westerners.
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Buildings That Mean Death: Israeli Settlements in Palestine
Over the last century, Israeli settlements have increasingly moved onto Palestinian land, often in violation of international treaties. Aliya Okamoto Abdullaeva examines the history and present context of this.
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Newsreel Narratives: Media Influence and Manipulation in the 1956 Suez Crisis
The 1956 Suez Crisis was heavily covered by the media in both France and Britain. Edie Christian examines how this media coverage was used by the government to justify their actions.
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No War, No Peace: Why the Stones of the First Intifada Feel Heavier Each Day
The Palestinian struggle has made headlines around the world these past few weeks. In this article, Aliya Okamoto Abdullavea explains the history behind it.
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The Sykes-Picot Agreement: an ‘expansionist booking-in-advance’ of the Middle East
The Sykes-Picot Agreement of 1916 was written by Mark Sykes and François Georges-Picot. Jasmine Khelil examines how it came about and why.
Retrospect Journal 