The Orientalist Stefan Winter's Methodology and Views in the Book of Shiites in Lebanon under Ottoman Rule 1516-1788

Abstract

Abstract

The book "Shiites in Lebanon under Ottoman Rule" 1516-1788" by the Orientalist Stefan Winter is one of the important contributions to the study and documentation* of the history of the Shiite sect in Lebanon during the Ottoman occupation of the Levant, as the author relied on an academic approach with multiple dimensions in this book that combined historical analysis in political and social aspects with research in documentary archives, and his motive was to present a relatively semi-complete picture of the nature of the conditions of the Shiites in Lebanon and their complex relationship with the Ottoman rule during that period of history. In this book, he presented a critical analytical perspective and vision that we can say can enrich historical writings on the history of the followers of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) from the Shiite sect in Lebanon, as the author conducted a study Analytical of the new variables that this relationship went through due to the fluctuations of the Ottoman rule, as well as the influences of regional and international policies and their impact on Lebanon. Hence, Stefan Winter addressed this complexity by analyzing the important political conditions, so we find that he sought to provide a deep understanding of how the identity of the Shiites in Lebanon was formed within the system of political and social components there.

Stefan Winter: "Stefan Winter": Canadian historian, specializing in studies of the history of Syria and Lebanon in the Ottoman era. His research interests relate to the history of Shiites, Kurds, and Alawites in the Arab region. He works as a professor at the University of Quebec in Montreal. He has many writings or publications, independently or in joint books between him and other researchers, in addition to many articles.