Red Sea Citizens Cosmopolitan Society and Cultural Change in Massawa [Paperback]

In the late 19th century, the port of Massawa, in Eritrea on the Red Sea, was a thriving, vibrant, multiethnic commercial hub. Red Sea Citizens tells the story of how Massawa rose to prominence as one of Northeast Africa's most important shipping centers. Jonathan Miran reconstructs the social, material, religious, and cultural history of this mercantile community in a period of sweeping change. He shows how Massawa and its citizens benefited from migrations across the Indian Ocean, the Arabian peninsula, Egypt, and the African interior. Miran also notes the changes that took place in Massawa as traders did business and eventually settled. By revealing the dynamic processes at play, this book provides insight into the development of the Horn of Africa that extends beyond borders and boundaries, nations and nationalism.

Red Sea Citizens is an excellent, detailed study of this port town at the historical meeting point of the Red Sea, Arabia, the Nile Valley, and the Ehtiopian plateau. . . . This original and thoroughly researched book breaks new ground and makes valuable contributions to a growing field. September, 2011Red Sea Citizens is a welcome addition to the literature on cultural pluralism ... The book is well-written and meticulously put together ...Vol. 9 2010

Introduction: Facing the Land, Facing the Sea
1. Making a Region Between the Sea and the Mountain: Na'ib Autonomy and Dominance, to the 1850s
2. On Camels and Boats: Spaces, Structures and Circuits of Production and Exchange
3. Connecting Sea and Land: Merchants, Brokers, and the Anatomy of a Red Sea Port Town
4. A Sacred Muslim Island : Sufis, Holy Men, and Town Islam in Massawa and the Interior
5. Being Massawan : Citizenship, Family, and Urban Authority

Conclusion
Notes
Sources
Index

. . . this is an important, well-researched, and beautifully illustrated book that deserves to be widely read.Vol. 51, 2010[The author] deepens our understanding of...local topilsh