Arab immigration to Antofagasta Region during the nitrate boom (1880-1930): Spatial distribution and social networks

Abstract

This paper studies Arab immigration to the Atacama Desert, including Antofagasta city and the hinterland nitrate mines in 1880-1930. For this purpose, the arrival of Palestinians, Syrians, and Lebanese at the American continent and Chile is analyzed in terms of migration factors, their insertion in local societies, xenophobia manifestations they faced, and their impact on cultural and societal development. Concerning the arrival of this migration from the Middle East at Antofagasta Region, two variables are examined, that is, spatial distribution and social network functionality, based on the national censuses of that period, the Archive of Foreigners from the Civil and Identification Registrar, and the Historical Archive from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.