The meaning of “land” here refers to the homeland and fatherland, which a person is proud of and feels associated with. This land can become so significant that concepts such as epic, martyrdom, sacrifice, and dedication are created around it.
Sometimes, a land also causes people to turn to nationalism. Of course, it is worth mentioning that there is a difference between patriotism and nationalism; patriotism is not reprehensible when it is free from excesses because Islamic narratives consider love and friendship for the homeland a desirable thing.
Unlike nationalism, patriotism is not a political organization aimed at gaining dominance but rather a personal feeling and attachment to a land with which someone has a connection, based on their own imagination and recognition. Patriots, in addition to recognizing and emphasizing the legitimate rights of all people (regardless of historical identity, ethnicity, language, religion, and other characteristics), have also shown a defensive spirit against foreign exploitation and domination. However, nationalists, unlike them, often rely on an aggressive spirit—not only against foreigners and foreign dominators but also against their fellow citizens, demonstrating contempt for aspects of people’s identities and cultural characteristics that contradict their arbitrary and sometimes fabricated ideologies.
Social scientists believe that patriotism differs from nationalism (the latter defined as an excess in love for the homeland). Nationalism is often misguided, while patriotism acts as a stimulus, a foundation, and encouragement for development. A constant rule among developed countries is that in these nations, the general public has a strong interest in their history, customs, and geographical area. Essentially, in a society that lacks patriotism, there will be little motivation for service, growth, or development.
History
What is history? How does history give rise to nationalism among communities and groups?
History consists of shared bitter and sweet memories that build a nation and create sympathy and harmony. The golden and historical periods of the past are highlighted. These epics belong to everyone. The heroes and literature contained in history are passed down from generation to generation. People within that group feel a sense of belonging to one united nation; they consider themselves dependent on a shared group experience of pain and suffering and react to external others.
History not only can cause nationalism, but nationalists often alter correct historical narratives in line with their goals, interests, and desires, recording it in their favor.
What is certain is that history and historiography are undoubtedly among the most important platforms for the presence and manifestation of cultural nationalism. In many periods, history has been one of the most significant tools for describing, explaining, and strengthening nationalism. Tarafdari clarifies: “During Reza Shah’s era, history and historiography became one of the main tools for explaining and strengthening nationalism, ensuring national unity and independence of the country, and gaining national legitimacy.”
Some countries propose ideological norms, others religion or a common language, etc., as social glue; but nothing is as effective as having a shared history in reinforcing the concept of nationalism. That is why almost all countries strive to present a specific version of their history while excluding significant parts of it.
History is always a tool in the hands of nationalism, and its usage depends on the progressive or retrogressive, militant and aggressive, or popular and irreconcilable nature of nationalism. This allows for the intentional or even unintentional construction of the past to serve present ideals.
There was not much nationalist historiography in the works of Egyptian historians until the late 19th century; perhaps glimpses of it can be found in some of Tahtawi’s works. However, following the Arabi Pasha movement and the intensification of patriotic feelings, an environment emerged conducive to this tendency.
Although several writers and researchers have included other elements of nationalism that may be common in creating this phenomenon among the people of a region—such as religion, race, culture, values, customs, and traditions—since these are the most well-known elements of nationalism, this suffices, and each of these elements is explained in some detail. It is worth noting that some authors do not recognize the aforementioned elements as elements of nationalism at all.
