Book description
This study deals with an unusual and absorbing topic: how the Arabs see and deal with reality and the implications this has for the nature of power in the Arab world. "Tents" and "pyramids" are, metaphorically, opposed mental images; the first signifies the absence of hierarchy and graded authority, theā¦
Why read it?
1 author picked Tents and Pyramids as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
In Tents and Pyramids, Khuri describes how Arabsā ways of seeing and dealing with reality have implications for power in the Middle East. He juxtaposes tentsāthe low horizontal Bedouin onesāagainst vertical hierarchical pyramids. Khuri argues that authority is not built into the tent approachārather the strategy is to act as equal groups with leaders who are only āfirst among equalsā and isolated individuals are the vulnerable ones. The second group, imagined as hierarchical pyramids, has no standardized rules for succession and ends up being the ones who conquer the rest. To stay in power these autocrats need strong militariesā¦
From Andrea's list on how culture influences Middle Eastern history.
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