Israel and the Emergence of Mediterranean Identity: Expressions of Locality in Music and Literature

The growing use of the term 'Mediterraneanism' (Hebr. Yam Tikhoniut) as a model for identity formation and the description of various aspects of everyday and cultural life in Israel as 'Mediterranean characteristics' can be found in the media, in cultural practices, public debates, and everyday culture since the early 1980s. It is argued that Yam Tikhoniut offers alternative views of identity, geographical place, politics, literature, culture, and history. Deploying the tools and methodology of Cultural Studies, this article explores the representation of the notion of Yam Tikhoniut in Israeli popular music and literature. The specific examples discussed here give evidence of a growing awareness and sense among the Israeli public as to the subject of locality and illustrate the emergence of a place-bound identity and local culture.