Audience at a social event, 1969

Item

Title
Audience at a social event, 1969
Description
This photograph shows the audience at a social event in 1969, possibly where George Harb was giving a speech. George Harb became famous all over Bethlehem as a “khatib” (orator/public speaker) due to his specialism in the Arabic language and his talent for oratory. Arabic was the main subject he taught in his career as a teacher. As such he was often selected, and often still is, for any event requiring a public speaker, especially for the various marriage rituals. These include the “tulba” (formal request of hand in marriage – usually a private affair within the families’ homes); the “khutba” (engagement ceremony/party where bride and groom exchange rings); the “sahra” (evening party for the groom and male friends/relatives); and the actual wedding reception/party (which includes the “zaffa” – wedding procession). George would be hired as a speaker at all these events, especially for Bethlehem’s notable and elite families. He would also be hired for funerals, especially during the First Intifada when he was regularly called out to Bethlehem’s refugee camps to commemorate individuals recently martyred.
Identifier
pb_gh_gha_7263749
Subject
Bethlehem, Palestine, Palestinian Diaspora, George Harb Photos collection, Bethlehem social occasions, Bethlehem people
License
CC BY 4.0
Creator
Maurice Michael
Date
1969
Type
Digital scan of black and white photographic print
Spatial Coverage
31.7053996/ 35.1936877
Rights Holder
George Harb
Item sets
George Harb Photos