IDEOLOGICAL AND REPRESSIVE STATE APPARATUSES IN SHADOWS OF THE POMEGRANATE TREE: A POSTCOLONIAL ANALYSIS OF RELIGIOUS CONFLICT

Abstract

Tariq Ali's Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree examines the aftermath of the Spanish Inquisition in 15th-century Granada through the lens of a Muslim family, the Banu Hudayl, as they confront the oppressive Christian regime. Utilizing a postcolonial and Marxist framework, particularly Louis Althusser's concepts of hegemony, Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs), and Repressive State Apparatuses (RSAs), this study analyzes how the dominant Christian power employs both repressive force and ideological manipulation to control the Muslim population. The burning of Islamic books symbolizes the destruction of knowledge and cultural identity, while religious institutions serve as ISAs to enforce compliance with Christian dominance. The research also highlights the complex interfaith relationships during this tumultuous period, revealing how power operates through both brute force and subtle ideological indoctrination. Ultimately, the novel critiques the enduring impact of colonialism and the role of cultural and religious institutions in perpetuating power imbalances, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation and resistance against ideological oppression.