An Archival Investigation into the Imposition of Bans and Censorship on the Works of Jurji Zaydan during the Ottoman Era

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The Lebanese-Ottoman writer, Jurji Zaydan, was criticized for prioritizing the study of Isrâiliyat in his historical works, in line with his positivist methodology. This paper analyzes the criticisms and opinions of Jurji Zaydan’s work in the Ottoman Archives. This study utilizes the qualitative research method of document analysis. Zaydan's Târîhu't-Temedduni'l-Islâmî, Fetâtu Ğassân and Târih-i Umûmî/et-Târîhu'l-Âm were banned from being published, distributed brought into the Ottoman Empire. Understanding Zaydan’s thought requires awareness of the cultural climate of the Enlightenment (Nahda) and Tanzimat reforms, Arabs populations’ attempts to negotiate increased independence, as well as the effects of nationalism, socialism and liberalism on the late Ottoman Empire. From the mid-19th century onwards, British and French colonial policies promoted scientific positivism, including theories of Social Darwinism and racialized theories of civilization. This study navigates Zaydan’s thought within the context of these colonial policies and the historical effect of social engineering on intellectuals from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Indian Subcontinent.