Martyr Cults and Political Identities in Lebanon

Sabrina Bonsen sheds light on political cults of martyrs in Lebanon and reconsiders the context of their emergence, development and distinct characteristics since 1920. She examines how the honouring of martyrs became an established practice in Lebanese politics and is crucial to grasp the logic of violence and conflict. Drawing on the case of the Amal movement, the author analyses central narratives to the group's discourse and practices concerning martyrdom to show how identity construction and strategies of legitimizing power are intertwined. Moreover, the book provides insides into political competition strategies, especially in regards to the two major Shiite political actors, Amal and Hizbullah, and takes a new look on martyrdom by going beyond cultural-religious explanations.

Modern political history of martyr cults and identities in Lebanon: common features and differences, functions and effects.- Contemporary martyr myths, memorials and rites identified through participant observations, literature analysis and interviews.- Case study on the Amal movement: political history, discourse and practices.