In this thesis research has been conducted regarding the following question: is it possible to translate the long Qur’anic surah sūrat al-Raḥmān into Dutch, whereby the following three criteria are...Show moreIn this thesis research has been conducted regarding the following question: is it possible to translate the long Qur’anic surah sūrat al-Raḥmān into Dutch, whereby the following three criteria are met: 1. the meaning is preserved 2. the oral and aural aspect is conveyed 3. the translation is presented in natural and accessible Dutch. To meet the criterion of aurality and orality the translation must meet the testible criteria of rhyme, metre, parallelism, lexical echoes, conciseness, the relation between the sound of words and the atmosphere of a verse or surah, and repetition, which are the most important linguistic structures underlying orality and aurality. Recognizability for Muslims is part of the criterion of meaning. A translation method according to these criteria has been used in the testcase and the translation process has been described. The above resulted in a translation that met the criteria of the research question.Show less
In formal peace negotiations, women often do not get a seat at the table. However, the growing field of everyday peacebuilding argues that peacebuilding does not only take place at the negotiation...Show moreIn formal peace negotiations, women often do not get a seat at the table. However, the growing field of everyday peacebuilding argues that peacebuilding does not only take place at the negotiation table, but also in everyday interactions between “normal” people. In order to find out how everyday peacebuilding works, this research project uses the case study of women in Lebanon to explore in what ways women in Lebanon contribute to peacebuilding in informal and non-organised ways. Hereby this study fills a significant research gap, as no research has yet been done on women and everyday peacebuilding in Lebanon. Through carrying out and analysing qualitative interviews with Lebanese women, this study concludes that the women contribute to everyday peacebuilding by avoiding conflicts and expressing unity and solidarity between groups in Lebanese society. The women recognise these actions as important parts of peacebuilding, and do not see a gendered element in their actions.Show less
This thesis explores the framing of the burqa ban in the Dutch media over the past decade, focusing on the divergence between left-wing (Volkskrant) and right-wing (Telegraaf) newspapers, potential...Show moreThis thesis explores the framing of the burqa ban in the Dutch media over the past decade, focusing on the divergence between left-wing (Volkskrant) and right-wing (Telegraaf) newspapers, potential polarizing frames, and the shifts in media narratives pre and post-implementation of the ban. The analysis is guided by framing theory, which shows the dominant frames visible in the newspapers and explores the dynamic interplay between media, public opinion, and politics. A framework of five frames, guided by Semetko and Valkenburg’s frames, has been constructed for this research. These are the Moral, Political, Societal Impact, Policy Conflict, and Security frames. The Volkskrant is characterized as progressive and socially oriented. The dominant frame between 2012 and 2022 has been the Societal Impact frame, emphasizing the ban’s consequences for society. In contrast, the Telegraaf, known for its activist and critical stance, used the Political Conflict frame the most often, focusing on discussions around implementing the ban. Contrary to expectations, the study has not identified a polarizing trend over time in the analysis. Moreover, it was concluded that the newspapers are growing convergent with their opinions concerning the burqa ban. When looking at the impact the implementation of the burqa ban has had on the dominant frames, a shift is visible post-implementation. Both newspapers have increased the use of the Societal Impact frame, increasing attention to the law’s implications. Looking forward, this thesis suggests additional research, including an exploration of the beginning of the debate in 2005, the recent victory of Wilders’ PVV, and other newspapers.Show less
In this thesis, I delved into the dynamics that shaped the interaction between Kurdish society and the Education Authority, and examined what influenced the development and practice of Kurdish...Show moreIn this thesis, I delved into the dynamics that shaped the interaction between Kurdish society and the Education Authority, and examined what influenced the development and practice of Kurdish culture. My goal was to create a foundational piece of work that uncovers the dynamics behind these transformations. However, it's important to note that this work includes the necessary analysis and critique to comprehend this transformation.Show less
This thesis explores how the AKP’s discourse on national security constructed Turkey’s national identity and defined threats during two major domestic crises: the Gezi Protests and the Peace...Show moreThis thesis explores how the AKP’s discourse on national security constructed Turkey’s national identity and defined threats during two major domestic crises: the Gezi Protests and the Peace Process between Turkey and the PKK. Through a theoretical framework drawing from securitization and ontological security theory, it provides a discourse analysis in order to determine how AKP officials constructed these events as a threat, identified them as a national emergency, legitimized the application of extraordinary measures against them, and rejected legitimate alternatives. Further, it studies the implications of this construction of identity and (in)security on ontological security, and argues that an appreciation of these implications helps provide significant insights on the nexus of identity and (in)security in contemporary Turkey.Show less
This study investigates the intricate connection between literature and national identity in Syrian society by analysing Khaled Khalifa’s two works, namely No Knives in the Kitchens of This City...Show moreThis study investigates the intricate connection between literature and national identity in Syrian society by analysing Khaled Khalifa’s two works, namely No Knives in the Kitchens of This City and Death Is Hard Work. More specifically, this study illustrates how both works reflect Syrian reality during transformative periods that correspond to the Ba’ath Party’s acquisition of power and the Syrian Civil War. Khalifa’s narratives offer extensive material for reflecting on memory, effect of political oppression on people’s lives, aspiration for independence and freedom, and family relations. In this way, the novels characterize Syrian national identity throughout a detailed depiction of the characters’ experience in the rapidly changing Syrian political and social setting. This reflection employs the academic concepts of Benedict Anderson, James L. Gelvin, Ana Douglass and Thomas Vogler to uncover the interconnection between literature, history, and formation of identity. Furthermore, the reflection provides insight into how the Syrian literature has changed to reflect and construct the national identity under the pressure of significant political change.Show less
In 2016, Saudi Arabia released Saudi Vision 2030, a document containing ambitions and goals for 2030. The document contains two goals regarding renewable energy: achieving a capacity of 9.5GW in...Show moreIn 2016, Saudi Arabia released Saudi Vision 2030, a document containing ambitions and goals for 2030. The document contains two goals regarding renewable energy: achieving a capacity of 9.5GW in renewable energy by 2030, and localising part of the renewable energy value chain. This thesis researches how the KSA uses these renewable energy goals to change its nation brand, and how this affects its leadership position in global energy. Using online databases and existing literature, this thesis assesses both the situation regarding the renewable energy and the localisation in 2016, and the realisation of the goals by 2024. Then a thematic analysis of the websites and X-accounts of Vision 2030 and Green Initiative is carried out. Lastly, this study analyses the behaviour and rhetoric of Saudi Arabia within OPEC, the UNGA, and COP-meetings. The thesis argues that while Saudi Arabia uses renewable energy to shape its image, this is not the main component or goal of its nation branding strategy. Rather, the KSA presents itself as a transforming, ambitious nation, and as a potential economic partner for investors. Regarding sustainability, Saudi Arabia brands itself as a leader in renewable energy, especially in regional context. The thesis argues that despite the developments regarding renewable energy in Saudi Arabia, the country continues to prioritise oil production and export. As a result, its position in global energy has not changed significantly and in the long run, its nation brand might not be as effective.Show less
This research analyses how an operational peace protocol between Israel and the Palestinian authority -meant to normalize the life of the citizens in Hebron- had an adverse outcome: a permanent...Show moreThis research analyses how an operational peace protocol between Israel and the Palestinian authority -meant to normalize the life of the citizens in Hebron- had an adverse outcome: a permanent division of the city along religious and ethnic-nationalist lines. The latter was due to actions of settlers supported by the Israeli government, partly in response to Palestinian violence. In this way a further obstacle was created on the way to a two-state solution as outcome of a peace agreement between Israel and Palestine. This research also critically engages with the thinking about the nature of settler colonialism; is Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories a form of settler colonialism; are settlers the drivers of Israeli colonialism, its implementors or both; how Israeli settlers movement, political parties and the state relate to each other; and is the urban divide of Hebron a result of settler colonialism?Show less
In recent years, the Egyptian government has embarked on an ambitious development agenda, focusing on megaprojects to enhance economic, societal, and environmental progress. Amid economic...Show moreIn recent years, the Egyptian government has embarked on an ambitious development agenda, focusing on megaprojects to enhance economic, societal, and environmental progress. Amid economic challenges, there is a recognition of tourism's potential to boost foreign currency income. The government has shifted its tourism development focus from coastal resort towns to the culturally significant St. Catherine in South Sinai. A UNESCO heritage site and a natural protectorate, the site is believed to be where Moses received the Ten Commandments and houses the oldest continuously inhabited monastery globally. The newly initiated ‘al-Tagali al-Aatham’ project aims to transform the city into a global tourist destination, sparking economic growth for the city, the region, and the Egyptian state. However, environmental and heritage concerns have arisen. This thesis investigates the socio-economic impact of al-Tagali al-Aatham on St. Catherine, employing ethnographic fieldwork to explore perspectives from both the government and local Gabaliya Bedouin. Positioned within Sinai’s history of political contestation and nation-building efforts, the thesis positions the project as a case study of state-induced development on the ‘margins’ of an authoritarian state in an ethnically complex setting. It argues that al-Tagali al-Aatham serves as a nation-consolidation measure, promoting national identity and solidifying Sinai’s integration into the Egyptian nation-state by imposing nationalism, seeking peace, and presenting Egypt as a modern nation.Show less
