Palestine in the 19th century (Administrative and socioeconomic situation)

SUMMARYDoctoral ThesisPalestine in the 19th Century (Administrative and Socioeconomic Situation)Işıl IŞIK BOSTANCIUniversity of FıratThe Institute of Social SecienceAnd Postgraduate Studyy in History2006, Page :XXII+260Palestine area, located in Damascus and Sayda States of Ottoman Government at thebeginning of 19th century, was passed over to Kavala administration of Egypt which hadprovided the support of Western Governments between 1831-1840. In 1840, whole area waspassed under Ottoman administration and had been a part of Sayda state and therefore firstTanzimat (administrative reform) policies were carried out.The conflicts among Christian communities regarding the holly places -especiallyJerusalem- was carried to an international platform by the effects of Russia and France whichwere trying to dominate these Christian communities, as a result, Crimean War broke out. Theimprovement edict (Islahat fermanı) which is declared in 1856 by the intervention of Westerngovernments brought about several diversifications at the area by administrative, municipal,adjudication, taxation, educational, accessional and communicative means.In 1865 Palestine area had been a part of Syria Province created by assembles ofDamascus and Sayda provinces by Provincial regulations (Vilayet nizamnamesi) published in1864. Akka and Nablus ensigns had been transferred under administration of Beirut Provinceby 1877 when Beirut Province is constituted and Jerusalem ensign had been directly bound toIstanbul as mutasarıflık.During 19th century, improvements and diversifications in Palestine were not muchdifferent from the diversifications of other ensigns and provinces of Ottoman Government.The specific conditions of the area were the holiness of the area, interventions of Westerngovernments to the area and the Jewish immigration oriented to constitute a government inPalestine after the Jews had been faced to persecution in Europe and especially in Russia by1882. Ottoman Government had taken some precautions in order to prevent migration butJews succeeded to locate in Palestine area by illegal ways. But despite the claims, Jewishpopulation was not over Muslim population and Muslim population rate was not over 85%during 19th century. Except from the Jews, many immigrants came and located to the areafrom Egypt, Algeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina.The economic power of the area is based mostly from agriculture and stockbreedingbut besides small range enterprises of soap, olive oil and weaving fields had effected theeconomic status of the area. Trade had been made by Akka, Haifa and Yafa ports.Ottoman government paid necessary attention to the area for the fact that Palestinearea, and especially Jerusalem is accepted as holly for three heavenly religions. Governmentadministration had been a referee among religious communities in the area for both theirinternal and external relations and had provided a peaceful and safe environment for areapopulace within the context of their religious beliefs.Keywords: Palestine, Jerusalem, Nablus, Akka, Holly Places, Jewish immigration