Hauptseminar: The Early Arabic Press (050104-WiSe21/22)

Early on its history, the Arabic press became a major site of various momentous developments in the Middle East, including, for example, the emergence of Modern Standard Arabic and of modern literary forms, as well as the advent of public debates and campaigns. Arabic journalists became major actors in the political and cultural fields of their countries. Today, Arabic periodicals are a major source for writing the history of the modern Middle East.
The course will trace the development of Arabic periodicals and journalism from their beginnings in the 1820s until about 1950. Based on digitised primary source material, participants shall develop their own research questions and projects.