Nablus

The majority of the novel occurs in Nablus, a city between two mountains in Palestine. Its position between Jerusalem and Damascus is emphasized throughout the novel, as its identity lies between Palestine and Greater Syria. The city is majority Muslim, though there is a sizable population of Samaritans, an offshoot of Judaism from thousands of years before. These sects create a geographic division in the city, but its social character is also organized into the city center and the surrounding hinterlands, where dwell the fellahin, or the peasants. Socioeconomically, there is also great distinction between the old, upper-class families and the emerging wealth of the town, in which caste lies Midhat’s own family. The town market is a frequent location of the novel’s action, as it is where Haj Taher’s shop and eventually Kamal’s own business are located. insulated character of the city is...