The thesis is about the polarization in Israeli society between the ultra-Orthodox and secular population. This polarization is largely caused by a difference of opinion about Israeli identity and...Show moreThe thesis is about the polarization in Israeli society between the ultra-Orthodox and secular population. This polarization is largely caused by a difference of opinion about Israeli identity and the political power of the ultra-Orthodox political parties.Show less
The Turkish TV series Diriliş: Ertuğrul has received worldwide media attention for its political-ideological implementation and its international viewership. This is especially interesting since...Show moreThe Turkish TV series Diriliş: Ertuğrul has received worldwide media attention for its political-ideological implementation and its international viewership. This is especially interesting since the series responds to contemporary issues. That is why I wondered how masculinity is presented in the series. This study addresses the question to which extent Ottoman or Turkish ideas on manhood influence masculine ideals. Firstly, I will give an overview of the pre-modern Ottoman male ideal, focusing on the image of the sultan and discussing the impact of dervishes. I will continue discussing the modern ideal man in the late Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic. This era shows a change from Islamic masculinity to a more nationalistic interpretation; however, similarities continue to exist, mainly the dominant and militaristic masculine ideal. In the final chapter, I will discuss the presentation of masculinity in the series. The impact of masculinity is supported by the consequences of the series and the reactions of viewers. This presentation of masculinity is compared to pre-modern Ottoman and modern Ottoman/Turkish manhood, showing that Ertuğrul embodies a combination of male values both from the Ottoman-Islamic and nationalist-modern periods. The outcome shows potential for further research into modern Islamic masculinities.Show less
The exceptional stability of the Moroccan monarchy during turbulent periods such as the protests of the F20 movement and the protests of the Hirak movement is intriguing. During the Arab Spring,...Show moreThe exceptional stability of the Moroccan monarchy during turbulent periods such as the protests of the F20 movement and the protests of the Hirak movement is intriguing. During the Arab Spring, the monarchy was the only country in North Africa that has kept the same head of state. Researchers are inclined to explain the stability of Morocco by analyzing the political strategies of the state and the monarchy. But what is often overlooked in the study of the Arab Spring in Morocco is the people. The Moroccan people remained relatively calm. The protests in Morocco were not as widespread as the protests in the rest of North Africa and the Middle East. In addition, the protesters' demands were aimed at reform, not revolution. How come the people of Morocco had different demands than the rest of North Africa? When considering the exceptional stability of the country, the country's particular characteristics must also be considered. Because not only is Morocco the only monarchy in North Africa; the country also has an extra religious dimension, because it is an emirate. To what extent did the king's religious title play a role in limiting the demonstrations in Morocco? To what extent has the king's religious legitimacy been used as a strategy to maintain peace in troubled times? And to what extent has the media been used as an instrument for this religious legitimacy? This research will examine to what extent the above-mentioned issues have had an impact on the demonstrators during the Moroccan spring. A content analysis of newsarticles from the Arab Spring period will be conducted. In addition, interviews will be conducted with protesters.Show less
