Cultural resistance in times of conflict

Observer

3 days ago

Cultural resistance is one of the essential forms of struggle that societies adopt when faced with escalating conflicts, particularly in times when foreign dominance threatens to erase or distort national cultures. It is a conscious and creative act rooted in the defence of identity and heritage.
This form of resistance manifests through literary and artistic means that protect national identity and stand against intrusive forces — whether through direct or indirect colonial influence. These forces often operate on ideological and intellectual levels and present themselves in the guise of technological, economic, or political transformations. The objective is not just cultural modification, but also an attempt to destabilise the moral and ethical frameworks that hold societies together.
Nations have employed a variety of methods to resist such forms of soft dominance, which often seep into daily life in subtle ways. Cultural resistance can be seen in literary texts — narratives, poetry and drama — as well as in the visual and performing arts. These works have emerged in new forms of visual and auditory expression, while traditional cultural heritage continues to demonstrate its relevance in confronting modern challenges and defending identity.
The world in general, and the Middle East in particular, has long suffered from ideological pressures on political, economic and technological fronts. In response, our societies have shown remarkable capacity to preserve their cultural identity and to craft cultural narratives that reflect the richness of their civilisational roots. This resistance reflects a deep awareness of the intellectual danger that looms when a society becomes disconnected from its cultural identity and historical lineage.
This danger becomes more pressing amid intensifying geopolitical conflicts and ideological agendas that exploit economic and technological rivalries. In areas of conflict plagued by violence, displacement and destruction, the need to protect cultural identity on both national and regional levels becomes ever more urgent. Cultural resistance, in this context, is not a luxury — it is an imperative. It is about affirming shared values and a commitment to history, ethics and human dignity.
Recent years have seen ideological struggles expand across Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and, most recently, Iran. This reflects a deeper transformation in the nature of conflict in the Middle East. Cultural resistance today is not confined to the Arab world but resonates globally. Edward Said described this phenomenon as 'the replicative nature of Zionist discourse,' a concept that captures the cultural erasure efforts now underway. In contrast, cultural resistance challenges such erasure, not only through institutional means, but also at the level of popular and global consciousness.
Attempts to reshape identities through manipulated narratives and ideologically driven agendas — ones that often align with unrestrained capitalist motives — now seek to dominate collective memory and history. This poses a threat not just to national identity, but to the individual's very sense of self. The aim is to strip people of their cultural and civilisational affiliations, thereby weakening their ability to defend their nations and their values. Societies then risk falling under forms of political, economic and social colonisation.
Writers, artists and cultural practitioners now carry a significant responsibility. Their output shapes the public consciousness and must reflect a commitment to peace, heritage and creativity. They are key players in forming national awareness, especially for younger generations. Their strength lies in rejecting division and holding firm to values and ethics in times of turmoil.
In sum, conscious participation and creative production through cultural resistance are vital tools for intellectual development and for confronting the ideological and cultural challenges facing the region. By protecting national identity and enriching creative traditions, cultural resistance remains a cornerstone of societal resilience.
Aisha al Darmaki
The writer is a member of the State Council and a researcher specialising in semiotics
Translated by Badr al Dhafri
The original version of this article was published in Arabic in the print edition of the Oman Arabic on June 22, 2025.