Memory of Violence and the Violence of Memory in the Middle East and North Africa

THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA A WORKSHOP MARCH 23-25, 2001 RICE UNIVERSITY KYLE MORROW ROOM, HUMANITIES BUILDING 117 AND THE BAKER INSTITUTE CONFERENCE ROOM 104  

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This workshop will explore the intersection of memory, violence, and politics and is based on the thesis that historical narratives situate themselves at the intersection of competing collective memories. Ussama Makdisi (Rice University, History) and Paul Silverstein (Reed College, Anthropology) are co-organizers of this workshop, which will investigate the intimate relation between history, domination, and resistance to 19th and 20th century politics in the Middle East, North Africa, and their various diasporas. Organized into five panels over two days, workshop participants from around the world will examine processes of colonization and de-colonization, of sectarianism and secularism, of state-building and communal loss. Whether represented as trauma or as destiny, this historical domain of violence becomes the basis for the constitution of collective narratives of origin, loss, and recovery. The workshop will explore the immanently contested and continually re-worked and re-written nature of memory and violence in relation to the political experiences and requirements of each successive generation of these narratives.

For more information contact:

Ussama Makdisi

Paul Silverstein

Center for the Study of Cultures

The workshop is sponsored by:

James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy

Center for the Study of Cultures

Office of the Dean of Humanities

History Department

Locations:

March 23: Kyle Morrow Room, Fondren Library

March 24: Humanities Building, Room 117

March 25: Baker Institute, Conference Room 104

Panels:

1. Fractured Memories

2. War and Reconciliation

3. Nationalism, Memory and War

4. Contested Histories

5. Recovering the Sacred Past

Directions and Logistics
Both Bush and Hobby airports have shuttles (Airport Express) that will take you your hotel. Many of them will also drop you off at Rice University.

Rice University operates a shuttle to and from the Warwick; ask at the desk for times.

The walk to the Rice campus from the Warwick takes about 10-15 minutes.

If you would like to go directly to Rice, ask the shuttle/taxi driver to enter Rice via Main Street and drop you off in front of Lovett Hall, the main administration building, identifiable by the arch. The Humanities Building will be at the back of the quadrangle to your left as you face Lovett Hall. Enter through the sallyport (arch) in the middle of Lovett Hall and proceed straight ahead toward the library, a rather utilitarian looking 1930s-style building. To the left of the library is the Humanities Building. A campus map is available here.

There is a very well-reviewed Impressionist exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFA) next door to the Warwick. You might also be interested in the unique campus of the The Menil Collection, which includes the Rothko Chapel and the Cy Twombly Gallery, among other sites. Also recommended is a tour of Houston's Azalea Trail.

We have included a list of area restaurants which might be useful if you want to make reservations from afar. When you leave the conference, be sure to make an Airport Express reservation at your hotel.

Restaurant Guide
Most of these restaurants are within walking distance of the University in or near Rice Village.The others are designated with an asterisk.

$- up to $10 $$- $10-$15 $$$- $15-$20 $$$$- $20 and higher
(*) not in Rice Village

(*) Aries $$$$

Lovely, Innovative food.

(*) Aldo's Con Amore 219 Westheimer (713) 523-2536 $$$$ (prices start above $40)

Specialties: Italian

"Aldo Esharif's restaurant makes all others in Houston seem second-rate. . . Expect exotic game and seafood, fabulous wines. . ." --Houston Chronicle

Reservations required

(*) America's 1800 Post Oak Blvd. (713) 961-1492 $$$$ (prices start above $40)

Specialties: Central/South America

"Nationally acclaimed for its innovative kitchen…an architectural wonder…" --Houston Chronicle

Reservations required.

Antone's 2424 Dunstan (at Kelvin) (713) 521-2883 $

Lebanese Style Deli

Specialties: Po'boys, Greek Salad

"it can't be beat for quality or price," and customers get a "distinctive" meal "prepared fresh" in "two minutes flat --Zagat's Guide

(*) Backstreet Café 1103 S. Shepherd (713) 521-2239 $$$

Lovely garden, food arty and substantial.

benjy's In The Village 2424 Dunstan (bet. Rice & Sunset) (713) 522-7602 $$$$

Specialties: Asian-Californian fusion

"Hip and trendy" --Zagat's Guide

(*) Bombay Brasserie 5160 Richmond (713) 355-2000 $$

Specialties: North Indian Cuisine

"Remarkable variety of excellent dishes" --Houston Chronicle

(*) Boulevard Bistrot 4319 Montrose (713) 524-6922 $$$

Specialties: French-styled cuisine

Bourbon St. Bistreaux 5555 Morningside (bet. Rice & University) (713) 522-9133 $$$

Specialties: Cajun, Seafood, Steaks, Po' Boys

BW-3 Grill Pub 2525 Rice Blvd. (713) 521-1100 $

Specialties: Sandwiches, Hamburgers, Salads, Chicken, American

"Our wings are three times better than the rest. The village is the place to be. Give us a try!" --food.com

(*) Café Annie 1728 Post Oak Blvd. (713) 840-1111 $$$$

Where the Southwest craze began . . .

Cafe Chino 6140 Village Pkwy (bet. Amherst & Times) (713) 524-4433 $-$$

Specialties: Seafood Chicken Chinese Japanese

"Houston's Finest Hunan Cuisine" in the Village. --food.com

"great" soft spring rolls, lettuce wraps that are a "must" --Zagat's Guide

(*) Café Red Onion 3910 Kirby (713) 807-1122 $$

Latino fusion. Great Prices.

(*) Churrascos 2055 Westheimer (713) 527-8300 $$$$

Specialties: Central/South American

Reservations suggested

Croissant-Brioche 2435 Rice Blvd.( at Kelvin) (713) 526-9188 $

Specialties: Coffee, Pastries, Desserts

"excellent coffee" and "wonderful breakfasts" make it a "favorite" among beret-sporting early birds --Zagat's Guide

(*) Daily Review Café 3412 W. Lamar at Dunlavy (713) 520-9217 $$$

Comfort food in a garden setting.

D'Amico's Italian Market Café 5510 Morningside (between Times & University Blvds.)

(713) 526-3400 $$

Specialties: Pastas, Pizzas, Gourmet Sandwiches

Dimassi's 2401 Times Blvd. (at Kirby) (713) 526-5111 $-$$

Specialties: Middle Eastern

Healthy, fast, vegetarian-friendly --the best falafels in Houston

El Meson 2425 University (bet. Greenbriar & Kirby) (713) 522-9306 $$

Specialties: Cuban, Tex-Mex, Tapas

(*) Fogo de Chao 8250 Westheimer (713) 978-6500 $$$$ (prices start at $40)

Specialties: South American

"A carnivore's paradise…" --Houston Chronicle

Reservations required.

Fu's Garden 2539 University (at Kirby) (713) 520-7422 $-$$

Specialties: Chinese

a very filling, affordable lunch menu.

"quality and generous portions," "dependable", "no-MSG" menu in a "friendly" milieu --Zagat's Guide

Fuzzy's Pizza 5925 Kirby (at Dunstan) (713) 522-6677 $-$$

Specialties: Pizza

(*) Goode Co. Barbeque 5109 Kirby (713) 522-2530 $$

Specialties: Cafeteria-Style Barbeque. Goode's also has a seafood place (great gumbo) and a Mexican place across Kirby.

Hungry's International 2356 Rice Blvd.( at Greenbriar) (713) 523-8652 $

Specialties: Deli, Middle Eastern

Japon 2444 Times Blvd. (bet. Kelvin & Morningside) (713) 526-2100 $$-$$$

Specialties: Japanese

Jason's Deli 2530 University (at Kirby) (713) 522-2660 $

Specialties: Sandwiches, Salads

"The best muffalettas this side of Louisiana", "lots of low-fat items"

and "wonderful soups, salads and sandwiches" --Zagat's Guide

La Madeleine 6205 Kirby (at Amherst) (713) 942-7081 $-$$

Specialties: Soups, Sandwiches, Salads

"A tomato-basil soup that lives up to its reputation," part of a quasi-French fare for "ordinary folks" served in a "cozy" cafe setting --Zagat's Guide

Le Peep 6128 Village Pkwy.(at Times Blvd.) (713) 523-7337 $$

Specialties: Breakfast (call ahead for hours)

(*) Madras Pavilion 3910 Kirby (713) 521-2617 $

Specialties: South Indian

"Exciting, spicy fare from South India…Good luncheon buffet" --Houston Chronicle

(*) Mark's 1658 Westheimer (713) 523-3800 $$$$

Excellent food in a renovated church.

(*) McGonigel's Mucky Duck 2425 Norfolk Street (713) 528-5999 $$

Specialties: British

"Fish and chips, beer-flavored beef stew and sherry trifle are first rate"; live music some weekends --Houston Chronicle

(*) Mesa Grill 1971 W. Gray (713) 520-8900 $$

Specialties: New Mexican

Mi Luna 2441 University Blvd. (bet. Kirby & Morningside) (713) 520-5025 $-$$

Specialties: Tapas, Spanish

Extensive menu, reasonable prices, outstanding quality, plus a trendy

atmosphere

(*) Mission Burritos 2245 W. Alabama (723) 529-0535 $

Specialties: Mexican

"Huge burritos (and tacos) for a small amount of money" --Houston Chronicle

Miss Saigon Café 5503 Kelvin (at Times Blvd.) (713) 942-0108 $$

Specialties: Vietnamese

(*) Mo Mong 1201 Westheimer (713) 524-5664 $$

Specialties: Vietnamese

"Pleasingly aesthetic setting for some inspired dishes" --Houston Chronicle

Nit Noi Thai 5211 Kelvin Dr.(at Dunstan) (713) 524-0283 $$

Specialties: Thai

Very highly rated and recommended.

Patu Thai 2420-B Rice Blvd. (at Kirby Dr.) (713) 528-6998 $$

Specialties: Thai

"Beautifully seasoned veggies" and "good spring rolls" are the stars

of the "fabulous" lunch buffet at this "hole-in-the-wall" Thai in Rice

Village, which many consider "one of the best" in Houston --Zagat's Guide

(*) Pesce 3029 Kirby Drive (713) 522-4858 $$$$

Too expensive for any of us, but very well reviewed. Will someone try?

Prego 2520 Amherst (Kirby Dr.) (713) 529-2420 $$$$

Specialties: Northern Italian, excellent wine list

Ruggle's Grill 903 Westheimer (713) 524-3839 $$$$

Houston classic. Texas size portions of interesting food. Wine and dine with the Rockets.

(*) Ruth's Chris Steak House 6213 Richmond (713) 789-2333 $$$ (prices start at $30)

Specialties: Prime Steaks

Dinner Only

Shiva 2514 Times Blvd. (Kirby Dr.) (713) 523-4753 $$

Specialties: North Indian Cuisine

Lots of vegetarian dishes, good lunch buffet, large dinner portions

Tony's 1801 Post Oak Blvd. (713) 622-6778 $$$$ (prices start above $40)

Specialties: Continental Cuisine

"Houston's most sumptuous restaurant…" --Houston Chronicle

Reservations required.

(*) Tortuga Cantina 5202 Kirby (by Bissonnet) (713) 528-7771 $-$$

Specialties: Mexican

Affordable, high quality tasty Mexican food

Two Rows Restaurant & Brewery 2400 University (bet. Kirby Dr. & Morningside) (713) 529-2739 $

Specialties: Pizza, Sandwiches

Sports Bar with a festive atmosphere.

Schedule:

FRIDAY MARCH 23

Welcome and Opening Remarks

1:00pm, Kyle-Morrow Room, Fondren Library

Panel 1: Fractured Memories

1:30pm, Kyle-Morrow Room, Fondren Library

"The Making and Unmaking of Memories: Civil War and Local Politics in a Multi-Confessional Community in Lebanon"

--Anja Peleikis, Centre for Modern Oriental Studies, Berlin

"The Two Deaths of Basem Rishmawi: Identity Constructions and Reconstructions in a Muslim-Christian Palestinian Community"

--Glenn Bowman, University of Kent

Discussant: Ussama Makdisi, Rice University

Chair: Werner Kelber, Rice University

COFFEE BREAK: 3:00pm

Panel 2: War and Reconciliation

3:30 pm, Kyle-Morrow Room, Fondren Library

"Writing Human Rights and the Fight for a Truth Commission in Morocco"

--Susan Slymovics, Department of Anthropology, MIT

"Violence, Memory, and Crossings"

--Julie Peteet, University of Louisville

"The Memory of Violence and the Violence of Memory in Lebanon"

--As'ad AbuKhalil, California State University, Stanislaus

Discussant: John Collins, St. Lawrence University

Chair: Carl Caldwell, Rice University

SATURDAY MARCH 24

Panel 3: Nationalism, Memory, and War

9:00 am, Humanities Building, Room 117

"'It Made Orphans of the Children and Widows of Their Wives:' Remembering the 'Great War' and the Transformation of Civic and Communal Identity in the Post-Ottoman Middle East"

--Keith Watenpaugh, Le Moyne College

"Safarbarlik: The Great War, Collective Memory and Discourses of Nationalism in Syria"

--Najwa al-Qattan, Loyala Maramount

"Individual and Collective Memories of the World Wars"

--Christoph Schumann, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen

Discussant: Daniel Sherman, Rice University

Chair: Lora Wildenthal, Texas A&M University

COFFEE BREAK: 11:00am

Panel 4: Contested Histories

11:30 am, Humanities Building, Room 117

"The Algerian War in French Memory: Vengeful Memory's Violence"

--Benjamin Stora, Centre d'Etudes en Sciences sociales et humaines, Rabat

"Local Struggle, National Struggle: Palestinian Responses to the Kafr Qasim Massacre and its Aftermath, 1956-1966"

--Shira Robinson, Stanford University

"Can the Subaltern Remember? A Pessimistic View of the Victims of Zionism"

--Gabi Piterberg, UCLA

Discussant: Paul Silverstein, Reed College

Chair: Bernard Aresu, Rice University

LUNCH BREAK 1:30pm

Panel 5: Recovering the Sacred Past

3:00 pm, Humanities Building, Room 117

"Patriotic Sacrifice and the Burden of Memory in Israel"

--Yael Zerubavel, Rutgers University

"The Problem with Memory: On the Articulation of Archaeology, Nationhood and Settlement"

--Nadia Abou El Haj, University of Chicago

"Martyrdom and Destiny: The Inscription and Imagination of Algerian History"

--James McDougall, St. Anthony's College, Oxford

Discussant: Jim Faubion, Rice University

Chair: Sarah Thal, Rice University

SUNDAY MARCH 25

Policy Roundtable

9:00 am, Baker Institute for Public Policy, Conference Room 104

"The Prospects for Peace in the Middle East"

Ambassador Edward P. Djerejian

Respondent: Makram Khoury, SOAS

Participants (in alphabetical order):

Nadia Abou El-Haj, University of Chicago

As'ad Abukhalil, California State University

Bernard Aresu, Rice University

Glenn Bowman, University of Kent

John Collins, St. Lawrence University

Edward P. Djerejian, Rice University

James Faubion, Rice University

Makram Khoury-Machool, SOAS

Ussama Makdisi, Rice University

James McDougall, St. Anthony's College, Oxford

Anja Peleikis, Centre for Modern Oriental Studies, Berlin

Julie Peteet, University of Louisville

Gabriel Piterberg, UCLA

Najwa al-Qattan, Loyola Marymount University

Shira Robinson, Stanford University

Christoph Schumann, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen

Daniel Sherman, Rice University

Paul Silverstein, Reed College

Susan Slyomovics, MIT

Benjamin Stora, Centre d'Etudes en Sciences Sociales et Humaines, Rabat

Keith Watenpaugh, Le Moyne College

Yael Zerubavel, Rutgers University

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