The evolution of semi-nomadism in non-desert environment: The case of Galilee in the 19th century

This paper attempts to reconstruct the way of life of a Palestinian Bedouin group living in Galilee, N Palestine, during the 19th century and established as semi-nomads. The term semi-nomadic is used here to indicate a distinctive life-style that is an amalgam of both pastoral nomadic and sedentary habits.The paper is based largely on primary sources, notably the narratives of 19th century European travellers-authors in Palestine. It introduces to the study of the cultural geography of Palestine and nomadism a methodological approach in which fragmentary pieces of information recorded in historical literature are utilized in order to evaluate spatial changes and processes.Paper originally presented at the International Conference of Historical Geographers, Cukanzus, Oxford '83 Oxford 17–23 July 1983.