From Empire to Empire - (Space, Place and Society) by Abigail Jacobson (Hardcover)

About the Book

A look at the history of Jerusalem between the Ottoman Empire and British Rule in Palestine.

Book Synopsis

The history of Jerusalem as traditionally depicted is the quintessential history of conflict and strife, of ethnic tension, and of incompatible national narratives and visions. It is also a history of dramatic changes and moments, one of the most radical ones being the replacement of the Ottoman regime with British rule in December 1917. From Empire to Empire challenges these two major dichotomies, ethnic and temporal, which shaped the history of Jerusalem and its inhabitants. It links the experiences of two ethnic communities living in Palestine, Jews and Arabs, as well as bridging two historical periods, the Ottoman and British administrations.

Drawing upon a variety of sources, Jacobson demonstrates how political and social alliances are dynamic, context-dependent, and purpose-driven. She also highlights the critical role of foreign intervention, governmental and nongovernmental, in forming local political alliances and in shaping the political reality of Palestine during the crisis of World War I and the transition between regimes.

From Empire to Empire offers a vital new perspective on the way World War I has been traditionally studied in the Palestinian context. It also examines the effects of war on the socioeconomic sphere of a mixed city in crisis and looks into the ways the war, as well as Ottoman policies and administrators, affected the ways people perceived the Ottoman Empire and their location within it. From Empire to Empire illuminates the complex and delicate relations between ethnic and national groups and offers a different lens through which the history of Jerusalem can be seen: it proposes not only a story of conflict but also of intercommunal contacts and cooperation.

Review Quotes

From Empire to Empire is an outstanding book and a significant contribution that asks new questions and does not fear to cross rigid boundaries set by previous historical works.-- "Insight Turkey"

A major achievement in the history of Palestine. It is highly recommended for anyone interested in the late Ottoman Middle East and in Palestinian society before the onset of the Arab-Zionist conflict.-- "Middle East Journal"

A necessary and timely contribution to the literature, providing an important bridging of the period between Ottoman and British rule as well as offering a fascinating snapshot of Jerusalem as a 'city at war.-- "American Historical Review"

The author does a very good job of analyzing the difference between Sephardi versions of Zionism versus Ashkenazi versions....I recognize the importance of this book and highly endorse it.-- "Amneh Badran, Journal of Palestine Studies"

Throughout the book, Jacobson illuminates our understanding of the transformation that took place, particularly within the Jewish community and in its relation to Zionism. . . . I would highly recommend this book for classroom use as well as to readers interested in the Israel-Palestinian conflict.-- "International Journal of Turkish Studies"

About the Author

Abigail Jacobson teaches at the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzlia, Israel. Her research focuses on the social and urban history of Palestine in the late Ottoman period and the British mandate. Her articles have appeared in journals such as the International Journal of Middle East Studies, the British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, and Jerusalem Quarterly.