Articles

Archaization in the Arab World: After the Revolutions or Instead

Vostok/Oriens '2015, №4

 
The process of archaization in modern Arab societies is a universal phenomenon. It has come to surface under the impact of conflicts, riots and revolutions, which destroy or weaken existing institutions, lead to chaos and uncertainty. The revival of practices of the past allows partially compensating for the lost stability and social confidence but it can turn into a dangerous destruction of the society itself. This is evidenced, first of all, in civil wars, releasing aggressive energy of individuals and entire communities. In the Middle East elements of archaization have come to the forefront as a byproduct of transformations, of new and protracted conflicts. The resurrection of traditional practices, images, cultural elements of the past does not mean a return to “ancient times”, and is manipulative in nature. The idealized perceptions of the past might be sought after by a society or groups and communities as a means of mobilization and a restoration of pride. The revival of archaic practices in traditional society in the Arab countries has had its imprint on domestic and foreign policy.

Keywords: archaization, multiple modernities, religious factor, secularism, institutions, revolutions, transformations, conflicts, traditional society, identities, myths

Pages: С. 104–113