We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Creating a country through currency and stamps: state symbols and nation-building in British-ruled Palestine.
- Authors
WALLACH, YAIR
- Abstract
Recent studies have examined the use of currency and stamps for nation-building in various contexts, with these artefacts seen as vehicles for indoctrination and gaining legitimacy by ruling elites - as a form of 'banal nationalism'. This article goes further to argue that in moments of geopolitical upheaval, these symbolic artefacts can play a crucial role in shaping the very framework of nationhood. This article focuses on the Middle East during World War I and its aftermath, and on British efforts to shape public opinion through the issuing of Palestine postage stamps and currency (1920-7), which were intended to convey Britain's commitment to Zionism. Parallels are drawn to the introduction of Arab stamps and flags during the Arab Revolt (1916-18). The benefit to Zionist nation-building and 'Hebrew Revival' is discussed, as well as the strikingly different reactions of local constituencies - Arabs and Jews - to the political message of these symbolic objects.
- Subjects
NATIONAL currencies; INTERNAL revenue stamps; NATION building; INDOCTRINATION; NATIONALISM; PUBLIC opinion
- Publication
Nations & Nationalism, 2011, Vol 17, Issue 1, p129
- ISSN
1354-5078
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1469-8129.2010.00470.x