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Portrait of Salman Natour

Salman Natour

Chronicler of Palestinian memory

Born
1949
Born in
Daliyat al-Karmel, Palestine
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Why Salman is here

Preserved the Palestinian narrative through literature and cultural work.

Their story

Salman Natour was a Druze-Palestinian writer, journalist, playwright, and editor. He is recognized for his profound contributions to Palestinian literature, particularly through his works that explore the collective memory of Palestinians, especially in the aftermath of the Nakba. Natour's writing serves as a crucial element in preserving and articulating the Palestinian experience under occupation, making him a central figure in the cultural and literary history of Palestine.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Salman’s path.

  1. 1970s

    Began his career in journalism and literature, becoming the cultural editor for Al-Ittihad newspaper, where he played a significant role in shaping the cultural discourse in Palestine.

  2. 1986-1992

    Directed the Israeli-Palestinian Committee of Artists and Writers against the Occupation, where he advocated for cultural resistance and solidarity against the occupation.

  3. 1992

    Published "The Journey Without," one of his most influential works, which explores the nuanced realities of Palestinian life under occupation and the complexities of identity in a divided land.

  4. 2000-2006

    Served on the board of directors for Adalah, the legal center for Arab minority rights in Israel, contributing to the legal defense and rights advocacy for Palestinians in Israel.

  5. 2016

    Died on 15 February 2016 after a career in journalism, fiction, theatre and translation.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Preservation of Palestinian Memory

    Natour’s works, such as Memory Talked to Me and Walked Away, are seminal in documenting the Palestinian experience, particularly the narratives of those who lived through the Nakba and its aftermath.

  2. Bilingual Literature

    By writing in both Arabic and Hebrew, Natour bridged cultural and linguistic divides, making Palestinian stories accessible to a broader audience and fostering understanding across communities.

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  3. Cultural Leadership

    As a director and editor, Natour played a crucial role in shaping Palestinian cultural identity, particularly through his work with Al-Jadid and Al-Ittihad, where he nurtured a platform for Palestinian voices.

  4. Advocacy Through Art

    Natour was a staunch advocate for Palestinian rights and used his platform in the arts to resist the occupation, both through his writing and through his leadership in various cultural and legal organizations.

  5. Cross-Cultural Dialogue

    His work in translation and his efforts to promote dialogue between Palestinian and Israeli communities through literature and cultural exchange have left a lasting impact on the field of cultural studies in Palestine.

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Salman in interviews, talks and coverage.

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