By Mr. Nabeel ‘ Anabtawi. The writer treated this subject by concentrating on three

basic dimensions:

A. The pre-Islamic historical dimension:

This section lays emphasis on the old Canaanite Arab root of al-Qods, as is attested by its Canaanite name "Yaboos" after the Canaanite Yaboosi clan. As a further proof, reference is made to relevant archaeological findings.

B. The Islamic historical dimension

 This section is a survey of al-Qods heritage from the beginning of its Isiamic era at the hands of the second caliph , Omar bin AL- Khattab up till now. The writer demonstrated all through that Moslems took great care of al-Qods, especially in the Umayyad era when the two famous mosques of AL-Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock were built. Such care was and is still paid to AL-Qods throughout the Moslem World.

C. The third dimension was devoted to the aswaq (markets) of Al-Qods.

The writer presented here a brief general description of the aswaq, and elaborated on souq al -Attareen ( Perfumers , Market) giving a detailed depiction of this souq at the turn of the century , with a special reference to some diseases and the perfumeries advised by the Attareen as relevant cures.

2- The negative and the positive or pros and cons of studies in popular literature: a political perspective

By Dr. Yahya Jabr

 The researcher started by pointing out that approaches to studies of popular literature vary according to variations of the researchers‘ goals. He then refers to the fact that initial studies in this field were directed by a colonial vision meant to embody local motive loyalties preparatory to applying the colonial slogan"

Divide and Rule". He then discussed two negative aspects in the studies of popular literature: its collegiality and its locality .These two aspects were discussed at length with special attention to their possible negative reflection on Arab unity.

To counteract the negative aspects, the researches discussed the positive aspects of the studies of popular literature as represented by their expression of the spirit of the people, and by standing as proof of their existence especially when their country falls under and oppressive occupation.

He then closes at an optimistic note by concluding that the colloquial fonn is not a threat to the classical fonn of Arabic, and that local native thought is a clonial product which will disappear with the disappearance of colonialism. Furthennore it is possible to see a reflection of classical literature in popular literature, in addition to the fact that the latter pays well to embody the identity of its people, and its study, therefore, contributes to the rejuvenation of belonging.

3- Popular Customs and Traditions, (edition two)

By Dr. Abdullatif Barghouthi and Dr. Sharif Kanaana

In this second edition, the two researchers continue their discussion by surveying Palestinian wedding customs and traditions among the Moslems and among the Christians. They start by detailing customs relating to asking the hand of a girl (i.e. Khitbah), then move to engagement, and final to betrothal, elaborating all through on countryside Zaffa songs and practices that reach their climax by leading the bride to her groom‘s home preliminary to the coming of the bridegroom to join his bride.

Having finished with the bride and bridegroom, the researchers discuss the customs and traditions relating to the end of the life cycle, and call attention to a new development in this connection which purports in treating a martyr as a bride or a bridegroom in the sense that she or he is carried to the grave in a wedding not a funeral procession.

4- The Palestinian Folk song: A true national proclamation:

by Abdul-Azeez Abu Hadba

 The researcher introduces this subject by describing the methods employed in exposition of opinions concerning political and social events. Having said this, he hastens to say that the folksong was and still is the true political proclamation.

Then he organizes his paper into five sections parallel to dividing the 20ieth century into five periods. He presents and investigates song texts relevant to the given period and expressing the reaction of the Palestinian people for or against the events dealt with by the song.

In conclusion, he stresses the functions of the Palestinian folksong in serving the Palestinian cause and tips that by a brief reference to the ongoing Intifada of Al-Aqsa.

Inash Al-Usra Society

 By: Dr. Abdullatif Barghouthi