Mizrahi Memoirs: History, Memory, and Identity in Displacement
Date
2017
Authors
Kizimchuk, Stephanie
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
In this dissertation I analyse the dynamics of history, memory,
and identity as represented in the published English-language
memoirs of Mizrahim (also known as ‘Middle Eastern Jews’ or
‘Arabic Jews’) who were displaced during the mid- to
later-twentieth century from Iraq, Iran, and Egypt. I take a
thematic approach, analysing the memoirs through a focus on
metaphor, sensescapes, dreams, urban landscapes and sacred sites,
as well as the different perspectives of key stakeholders. I
demonstrate that the culture wars model is inadequate for the
study of the experiences of displacement and dispersal. Rather, I
argue that the framework of multidirectional memory (Michael
Rothberg), in combination with the notion of screen memory,
provides a far more accurate reflection of the memory dynamics
represented across this body of texts. I also draw on the
concepts of postmemory (Marianne Hirsch) and the ‘off-modern’
(Svetlana Boym) as productive ways of understanding the
intergenerational transmission of histories and memories, and the
construction of diverse identities in post-displacement life.
Furthermore, I show that memory dynamics are multidimensional and
are shaped by the senses, emotions, and spirituality. They are
multilayered, encompassing diverse experiences of temporality,
place, and ontology. They are also highly entangled and
interweave different perspectives, power relations, locations,
histories, and peoples.
Through examining the dynamics of memories, histories, and
identities in published English-language Mizrahi life writing, I
seek to contribute to a more accurate understanding of the
diversity of Jewish experiences and the complexity of Jewish life
and history in a Middle Eastern and North African context. I aim
to develop a nuanced understanding of situations of displacement,
dispersal, and resettlement. I demonstrate that memoir writing is
a crucial genre for recording migratory experiences and
transnational histories. This medium provides a vital and
powerful tool that can aid in the recovery of psychological
wellbeing and emotional resilience among women and men who have
been displaced. An improved understanding of memory dynamics as
well as the construction of identities and histories is all the
more important in this present moment where dangerously
simplistic divisions are often made at the expense of equity,
diversity, and true human complexity.
Description
Keywords
Mizrahi, Mizrahim, Memoir, Autobiography, Life writing, History, Cultural history, Memory, Memory studies, Judaism, Jewish history, Middle East, Middle Eastern history, Middle Eastern culture, Jewish culture, Culture, Identity, Politics, Displacement, Dispersal, Refugees, Immigrants, Immigration, Arab, Arab Jews, Arabic Jews, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Egyptian Jews, Iraqi Jews, Iranian Jews, Baghdad, Cairo, Alexandria, Zakho, Tehran, Shiraz, Anti-Semitism, Colonialism, Anti-Colonialism, Nationalism, Personal memory, Collective memory, Memory dynamics, Multidirectional memory, Holocaust, Remembrance, Multicultural, Transnational, Screen Memory, Entanglements, Foodways, Senses, Heritage, Smellscapes, Dream, Nostalgia, Postmemory, Synagogues, Artifacts, Community, Urban renewal
Citation
Collections
Source
Type
Thesis (PhD)
Book Title
Entity type
Access Statement
License Rights
Restricted until
Downloads
File
Description