Jerusalem in the nineteenth century: the old city.

The 19th century marked a decisive turning point in the history of Jerusalem. In the early 1880s Jerusalem was still a small town in the heart of a rural district, with a population of 8000 - 10 000. By the end of the century, however, its area extended far beyond the ancient city walls; it boasted a population of more than 70 000; and it had become the chief city of the Holy Land. This volume reconstructs the portrait of 19th century Jerusalem as reflected in contemporary writings. Major sections discuss: the appearance and sources of livelihood of the old city; Ottoman rule and the Muslim quarter; the Christian communities and quarters; the Jewish community before expansion beyond the old walls (1800-70); and the Jewish Community of Jerusalem at the end of the Ottoman period (1870-1914). -after Publisher