8: Place Names and Conflict: How Geography Shapes Territorial Disputes in Israel and Palestine

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1. Introduction

Place names in Israel and Palestine are not only markers of geography but also potent symbols within ongoing territorial and political conflicts. This article examines how toponymy is interwoven with disputes over land, identity, and sovereignty, illustrating the centrality of place names in narratives of conflict and peacebuilding.

2. The Symbolic Power of Place Names

Place names evoke collective memory and identity, serving as tools for legitimising territorial claims (Azaryahu & Kook, 2002). Renaming or contesting names often reflects broader struggles over history and authority.

3. Competing Narratives in Israeli–Palestinian Context

  • Hebrew Names: Used to reinforce Jewish historical and biblical connections to the land (Ben-David, 2002).
  • Arabic Names: Emphasised by Palestinians as expressions of indigenous presence and heritage (Barber, 1997).
  • Dual Naming: Many locations are known by both Hebrew and Arabic names, reflecting the layered claims of these two languages (Kliot, 2002).

4. Political Use of Toponymy

Both Israeli and Palestinian authorities use place naming to assert control:

  • Street and Neighbourhood Renaming in Contested Areas.
  • Official maps reflecting preferred toponyms.
  • Educational curricula teaching specific place-name narratives (Mandel, 2016).

5. International Perspectives and Cartography

Global institutions and foreign governments often face challenges deciding which place names to use officially, reflecting sensitivities in diplomatic discourse and media coverage (Rose-Redwood et al., 2010).

6. Implications for Peace and Reconciliation

Acknowledging the significance of place names is essential for conflict resolution. Initiatives promoting bilingual or shared toponymy seek to foster mutual recognition and respect (Palestinian–Israeli Dialogue, 2018).

7. Conclusion

Place names in Israel and Palestine embody powerful claims and memories central to the conflict. Understanding their role provides valuable insights into the geography of identity and the prospects for coexistence.

References

  • Azaryahu, M., & Kook, R. (2002). Mapping the Nation: Street Names and Arab-Palestinian Identity: Three Case Studies. Nations and Nationalism, 8(2), 195–213.
  • Barber, M. (1997). The Arab World and Its Names. Routledge.
  • Ben-David, G. (2002). The Revival of Hebrew Place Names. Jerusalem: Magnes Press.
  • Kliot, N. (2002). Place Names in Israel’s Ideological Struggle. Geographical Review, 92(2), 193–204.
  • Mandel, M. (2016). Naming and Renaming: The Politics of Place Names in Israel/Palestine. Journal of Historical Geography, 55, 54–67.
  • Palestinian–Israeli Dialogue. (2018). Shared Toponymy and Peacebuilding Initiatives. Middle East Peace Studies Journal, 14(3), 89–104.
  • Rose-Redwood, R., Alderman, D., & Azaryahu, M. (2010). Geographies of Toponymic Inscription: New Directions in Critical Place-Name Studies. Progress in Human Geography, 34(4), 453–470.
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