Subaltern resistance in Jabal Nablus, 1840--1860

This dissertation attempts to address the topic of the subaltern population in Jabal Nablus during the mid-nineteenth century, a subject area that has received little attention. It focuses specifically upon the changes related to the regional loss of autonomy that occurred during this period and their effects on the subaltern population which caused that group to resist. The dissertation also examines subaltern consciousness during this period and the ways in which it shaped resistance initiatives, as well as the split between the subaltern and notable classes that weakened efforts at resistance.;Chapter one describes the theoretical framework of the study, which constitutes a new approach to the information available for this period. Among the aspects of the paradigms applied are models from the Subaltern Studies Group, Critical Theory, Antonio Gramsci and James C. Scott.;Chapter two discusses methodological considerations, including the scarcity of sources and issues related to accurately calculating Islamic dates and Gregorian dates.;Chapters three and four describe the region and the unique relations between population groups in this region.;Chapter five discusses changes in the traditional institutions of authority in the Nablus region as a result of Ottoman reform initiatives Chapter six illustrates how these new conditions affected the realm of law and the effects of these changes on the general population as well as subalterns.;Chapters seven and eight discuss the ways in which the changes occurring in Jabal Nablus during this period created the preconditions for a civil war, tracing the development of that conflict during each of the years from 1840 until 1860, with a view to the major events and clashes during the civil war years.;Chapter nine concludes by evaluating the resistance efforts of the Jabal Nablus subalterns, the factors working against them during this period and the ways in which their efforts at resistance succeeded.