According to most experts, a nation is defined as a territory with similar traditions, language, culture, and literature, where people have been living in the same locations for centuries. Given these criteria, can we consider Palestine as a country?
Palestinian Culture and Traditions:
The Palestinian people have their own language, a dialect of Arabic. They also have rich traditions, such as the traditional dress called TARTREEZ, which carries social and cultural meaning in its intricate threads and colorful patterns. The colors of the dress can indicate the region the girl is from, adding to the significance of this attire.
Tatreez is a centuries-old, iconic craft of Palestinian heritage. Each region has its own unique embroidery motifs, colors, and patterns.
Palestinians also have a variety of traditional meals like musakhan, maqlubah, ma7ashi, or knafeh. These dishes represent the culinary heritage of the Palestinian people.
In the main land of Palestine, researchers have discovered some of the oldest olive trees, some dating back almost 5,000 years. Olive oil production is deeply rooted in the region's heritage.
Cultural Expressions:
Dabke is a traditional Levantine folk dance deeply ingrained in Palestinian culture. It symbolizes belonging, rootedness, and unity. The name "Dabke" translates to "stamping of the feet." Originally, it was performed during communal tasks like farming and working the land. Today, the dance has become a global phenomenon, embraced at Palestinian weddings, family gatherings, and ceremonies. It has even spread to other countries, such as Egypt.
The Symbolism of Keffiyeh:
Keffiyeh is not just a fashion statement; it carries deep historical significance for the Palestinian people and their struggle for identity. It has also become an international icon of solidarity, representing the motto "We are one with the people of Palestine." Both the youth and the elderly proudly wear the Keffiyeh, which holds significance in national celebrations, songs, and weddings.
Palestinian authors:
Among all the Palestinian authors who have made a significant impact throughout history, here are a few examples:
Mahmoud Darwish: Mahmoud Darwish was a renowned Palestinian poet and author. Born on March 13, 1941, in Al Birweh, Palestine, he came from a land-owning Sunni Muslim family. Darwish wrote over 30 books of poetry and eight books of prose. His works earned him several prestigious awards, including the Lannan Cultural Freedom Prize, the Lenin Peace Prize, and the Knight of Arts and Belles Lettres Medal from France.
Fadwa Tuqan: Fadwa Tuqan was a Palestinian poet and feminist icon. She was born in Nablus in 1917 and passed away on December 12, 2003. Tuqan was the sister of Ibrahim Tuqan, a poet, playwright, and director of Radio Palestine. She had a profound influence on Palestinian literature and is known for her representations of resistance to Israeli occupation in contemporary Arab poetry.
Abdelkarim Al-Karmi: Abdelkarim Al-Karmi, also known as Abu Salma, was a renowned Palestinian poet and one of the prominent literary figures in the Arab world. He was born in Tulkarm and lived from 1909 to October 11, 1980. Al-Karmi's poetry gained recognition and appreciation for its emotional depth and lyrical beauty. His works reflect the Palestinian experience, capturing themes of love, longing, and resistance. Al-Karmi's poetry continues to resonate with readers and remains an important part of Palestinian literature.
These authors have made significant contributions to Palestinian literature, using their words to express the Palestinian narrative and shed light on the experiences and struggles of their people.
Palestinian people have all the characteristics of the definition of nation.
There are palestinian people who shows their traditions over the world to keep them alive no matter where they will be. Thanks to Leanne Mohamad in her youtube channel people from around the world can enrich themselves with the palestinian culture an knowledge. some information in this article is from Leanne Mohamad youtube channel.