SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This thesis discusses the history of Jerusalem from 1912 to 1920, with a particular focus on the period of the First World War and the British military administration of the city up to July 1920. It examines the dynamics of the transition from Ottoman to British rule and compares the two administrative structures, as well as changes which affected the foreign population of the city and its religious communities. This thesis is organised in six chapters and evolves around three main themes. The first theme discussed in Chapter One addresses the complex issue of periodisation. The re-interpretation of the transitional period from Ottoman to British rule is discussed through the historiographical approach known as microhistory, in order to highlight the methodological underpinnings of this study. The second theme considers these two periods from the perspective of continuity and change. As far as change is concerned, this thesis underlines the changes which affected the political sphere; namely, the political identities of local communities that followed the end of the war in 1917 and the establishment of the British Military administration in Jerusalem. The third theme investigated is the relationship between the city and its foreign population, focussing on the foreign impact upon the political and social milieu of Jerusalem. Chapter Two discusses the late Ottoman administration of Jerusalem, providing a thorough analysis of the demographic structure in the transitional period. Chapter Three examines in detail the phases of the transition from the Ottomans to the British as a consequence of the military operations in Palestine. Chapter Four looks at the presence and functioning of the Christian religious institutions and their reactions to the British occupation. Chapter Five assesses the foreign presence in the city, with particular focus to some unexplored diplomatic sources. Chapter Six examines the functioning of the British Military administration, with particular focus on the role of the military governor Ronald Storrs.