Nearly half of the eight million Palestinians are registered refugees. Landscape of Hope and Despair explores this refugee experience in Lebanon through the medium of spatial practices and identity set against the backdrop of prolonged violence.
Focusing on the cultural significance of hammams, Julie Peteet delves into their historical evolution from the Bronze and Iron Ages through various eras, including Hellenistic and Islamic periods. She provides a comprehensive analysis of these baths, examining their architecture, labor dynamics, clientele, and the broader implications for body and hygiene. By exploring the hammam as both a physical structure and a social institution, Peteet highlights its role as a vital space for religious ceremonies and a unifying element across diverse cultures.