Lesson: Cultures of Tolerance and Conflict Resolution in Central Sudan and especially in Khartoum
As with other conflict-prone polities of sub-Saharan Africa, scholars and policymakers are very interested in understanding existing, evolving and emerging institutions that best mediate conflict. For example, Nuer prophets served to lead in situations of acute tensions with colonial authorities, and their importance and power increased when oppression was most felt. Still blood feuds and complex clan-mediated payments also mediate conflict in Nuer communities. Another example is the role of Islamic law and courts. Qadis were not just tools of the colonial state but resisted in important ways; the tradition of mediation of the Qadi's position is important to underline, as is the role of Muslim scholars in mediating today's conflicts. This module will offer a broad sampling into the cultural world of Sudan, with an eye on aspects of the variegated cultural scene that aim explicitly to reduce and mediate conflict.
Intriguing Questions
- Can Muslims and Christians in Khartoum build a community?
- How are artists creating new forms of Sudanese cultural expression?
- What does youth music mean for the Sudanese?
- How can culture be understood through participant-observation in Sudan?
- What are religious traditions of tolerance in Sudan?
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This teaching module is coordinated by Martha Saavedra
Module Teaching Resources: Resource created by the Understanding Sudan project.
Class Assignment
- Sudan: Race and Religion in Civil War. August 27, 2013. A case study by Jason Klocek exploring the background and bases for Sudan�s two civil wars. Along with its core text, this case study also includes a timeline of key events, a guide to relevant religious groups, political organizations, and nongovernmental organizations, and a list of recommended further readings. Produced by The Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University
Lecture Materials
- Diversity and Identity in Sudan. Powerpoint presentation.
- Prospects for Peace in Sudan 2008. Powerpoint presentation.
Reviews and Teaching Tips
No Reviews currently available.
Sudanese Arabic - Lessons and Vocabulary
No Arabic currently available.
Multimedia Resources
Video
- L1: An Introduction to the Republican Brothers of Sudan, Part 1: Religious Philosophy. Mustafa El-Jaili.
- L1: An Introduction to the Republican Brothers of Sudan, Part 2: Political Ideology. Look for a new link shortly for this topic. 28 July 2010.
- Peace and Conflict in Southern Kordofan David Decker, of the University of South Carolina-Sumter, speaks on peace and conflict in Southern Kordofan, especially regarding the relations between the Baggara and and Dinka. Relevant for understanding the current conflict in Darfur. Filmed March 2006 at Bergen, Norway. (11 min 14 sec)
- Politicization of Ethnic Sentiments Dr. Elfatih Abdullahi Abdel Salam is at the International Islamic University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This was filmed at the Sudan Studies Association meeting in Rhode Island, August 2006.
- Racism in Sudan Amir Idris, Fordham University. Filmed in August 2006. This video is also available on YouTube.
- Abyei - Ethnic Divide & Mixed Marriages. Al Jazeera story on mixed marriages in Abyei. 19 March 2008.
- Khartoum - video views. What does Khartoum look like? Here are some sights on the route from the airport. Filmed in March 2007 by Caroline Kere.
- L1: Mahmoud Mohamed Taha: A Life. A narrated video about the Sudanese Islamic reformer. Written and narrated by Dr. Steve Howard. First screened during a conference: "100 Years of Progressive Islam 1909 - 2009 a conference in honor of Mahmoud Mohamed Taha," at Ohio University.
- Mohamed Wardi & Amal Alnoor Perform Mohamed Wardi, Nubian singer, from Sudan
- Mohamed Wardi. Short biography and film clip of the song, "Al Nas Al Giyafa."
- Nuba Wrestling. Sportsworld Report by Joanna Gasiorowska of Al Jazeera. Episode aired 30 July 2007. The Nuba Wrestling segment starts at 6:30 minutes.
- Sudan Music and Dance Festival Promo Clip on StaytunedTV.comPromotional clip for the festival, which took place in New York City, Central Park SummerStage. July 21, 2007.
Audio
- Abdel Gadir Salim Singer and muscian from Dilling in the Nuba Mountain. He joined Southern Sudanese rapper, Emmanuel Lal to record the 2005 album, Ceasefire. Salim's discography, and background.
- Emmanuel Jal on My Space Kenyan-based Sudanese Hip Hop Artist. He joined northern Sudanese singer, composer and oud player Abdel Gadir Salim to record the 2005 album, Ceasefire.
- Khartoum, Sudan's Cosmopolitan Epicenter. NPR Morning edition story by Gwen Thompkins. July 17, 2008.
Photos
- Photographs of the cultures of tolerance and conflict resolution in central Sudan and especially in Khartoum from online sources
Other Links
- Promoting Peace in Sudan: Interviews From late May to early June 2009, Jason Klocek conducted eleven interviews with religious actors in Southern Sudan as part of an ongoing research initiative at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs. The project seeks to achieve a deeper understanding of the peacebuilding efforts of such actors in post-conflict societies.
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