E Library

"Popular Participation in the Building of the Jordanian State During the Emirate Period (1921–1946) Author: Dr. Suheila Al-Shalabi This book sheds light on the role of popular participation in the building of the Jordanian state during the Emirate period (1921–1946). The reader embarks on a unique journey through which they explore the dimensions of popular involvement in state-building, presented across three chapters that examine various aspects of such participation throughout the period from 1921 to 1946. The importance of exploring this topic lies in the fact that it represents a vital dimension of the history of the Emirate of Transjordan, which has not received adequate attention in academic research. The book points out that popular participation was not limited to a single domain, but rather was diverse—covering nearly every aspect of life. The first chapter addresses the social dimension of popular participation, which witnessed active and prominent involvement in the field of education. Civil society institutions played a vibrant role, including mukhtars and local elective councils, which served as a link between the official authorities and the citizens. A distinct form of participation also emerged through community oversight, whereby undesirable social phenomena were monitored and confronted. The second chapter of the book tackles the economic aspect of popular participation, with particular emphasis on agriculture, which was the main livelihood for many members of society. Despite the natural, climatic, social, and political challenges that this sector faced—challenges tied to the Emirate’s living conditions—popular efforts rose to confront and overcome them. As for trade and industry, participation was relatively limited due to a lack of practical experience and limited technical and financial capacities. Furthermore, the state itself did not aim to establish a robust economy capable of competing with Western entities. Nonetheless, there was notable Jordanian involvement in laying the foundations for an industrial-commercial base, especially in the mass production of high-quality agricultural goods that became competitive in foreign markets. In the third chapter, the focus shifts to public services, such as the health sector, which saw significant efforts to combat infectious diseases and epidemics, provide free medical care, and ensure access to clean water. Participation also extended to the public works sector, with a specific interest in developing infrastructure, such as roads that connected cities and villages, thereby strengthening economic, social, and security ties by reducing incidents of assault crimes. This participation came through financial contributions toward road construction and maintenance, the provision of essential materials, and through waqf (endowment) contributions to mosque construction and the fulfillment of their needs, along with support for religious shrines. Furthermore, there was a spirit of co-participation in establishing municipalities by demanding their creation and encouraging their success. The author concludes her book with a comprehensive conclusion, summarizing the information and findings discussed in the preceding chapters. She highlights the importance of the research and its contribution to understanding the role of popular participation in state-building during the Emirate era, thereby enriching knowledge and providing deeper insight into this important historical dimension. Additionally, the author presents a list of references used in the study, making it easier for readers to consult the sources upon which her analysis and findings were based. This list serves as a final affirmation of the study’s accuracy and credibility in both research and interpretation."