Changes of the Lebanese Muslim ummah in the 1950s–1960s: Assessments of Western diplomats

The third quarter of the 20th century was marked for Lebanese Muslims by disappointment in the possibility of strengthening their positions after the period of the French mandate, when, in their view, the most important socio-political privileges were occupied by Lebanese Catholic Christians. The Su...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: A.V. Sarabiev
Format: Article
Language:Russian
Published: Kazan Federal University 2017-12-01
Series:Učënye Zapiski Kazanskogo Universiteta: Seriâ Gumanitarnye Nauki
Subjects:
Online Access:https://kpfu.ru/changes-of-the-lebanese-muslim-ummah-in-the_341824.html
Description
Summary:The third quarter of the 20th century was marked for Lebanese Muslims by disappointment in the possibility of strengthening their positions after the period of the French mandate, when, in their view, the most important socio-political privileges were occupied by Lebanese Catholic Christians. The Sunnis' position in the Lebanese political field was determined by the adherence to the ideas of Arabism and the unity of the Arab ummah, ideas which could not be sufficiently shared by Christian politicians – even adherents of explicit pro-Arab orientation. The Shi'ite notables were at the stage of formation of their political demands, so they largely associated themselves with the Sunnis and they supported those Christian politicians who less hampered the political participation of the Muslims of Lebanon at the level of state administration. Behind the turbulent political space of Lebanon, as well as neighboring Syria, Western diplomats watched closely, trying not to lose sight of the contradictions between the religious communities, traditionally considering them as possible objects of their efforts.
ISSN:2541-7738
2500-2171