| ID | 102832 |
| Title Proper | Creating a country through currency and stamps |
| Other Title Information | state symbols and nation-building in British-ruled Palestine |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Wallach, Yair |
| Publication | 2011. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | 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. |
| `In' analytical Note | Nations and Nationalism Vol. 17, No. 1; Jan 2011: p.129-147 |
| Journal Source | Nations and Nationalism Vol. 17, No. 1; Jan 2011: p.129-147 |
| Key Words | Palestine ; World War I ; Arab Revolt (1916-18) ; Zionism ; Jews ; Banal Nationalism ; Britain ; Arab Revolt (1916–18) |