by
Arnold Blumberg
This book studies the interaction of the European, Turkish, and
Palestinian natives for a forty-two year period, just prior to when
the great Jewish immigration to Palestine began. It examines the
interplay between the native Palestinian population, the essentially
foreign Turkish government imposed on them, and the aggressive ambitions
of Christian nations represented by their consuls.
Most important of all, 1838 marks the first year in which the Turks
recognized the right of foreign non-Moslems to lease property for
permanent residence in a city sacred to Islam. It was to be another
twelve years before the purchase of property by foreign infidels
became possible at the Holy City. It was to be a full twenty years
before the Turks codified a Land Registry Law in 1858. Nevertheless,
the mere beginning of permanent residence at Jerusalem for foreign
Jews and Christians makes 1838 a milestone year.
It is, therefore, important for any study of what is today modern
Israel to examine the years 1838-1880. Those crucial forty-two years
form the unique and essential incubative time period without which
Zionism could never have prospered in Zion.
During his professional life, Arnold
Blumberg was Professor of History at Towson State University,
Baltimore, Maryland. He received his Ph.D. in modern European
history at the University of Pennsylvania. His books include The
Diplomacy of the Mexican Empire, 1863-1867 and A View From
Jerusalem, 1849-1858.
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