Late Ottoman Palestine

de Yuval Ben-Bassat, Eyal Ginio

"The decisive consequences of the Young Turk Revolution of 1908 had ramifications over the entire Ottoman Empire--and the Ottoman territory of Palestine was no exception. 'Late Ottoman Palestine' examines the impact of Young Turk policies and reforms on local societies and administration, using Palestine as a prism through which to explore the impact of the Revolution in the provincial arena, far from the administrative and political centre of the capital. It thus sheds light upon the last decade of Ottoman rule in Palestine, crucially dealing with the roots of Jewish-Arab conflict in the area and the early crystallization of Arab, Palestinian and Zionist identities, along with that of an Ottoman imperial identity. 'Late Ottoman Palestine' explores the ethnic, religious and social diversity of Palestine's population at the time, and analyses the Young Turks' perceptions of Palestine as reflected in their political, economic and cultural policies, as well as in their development programmes. Conversely, it also discusses the responses of local populations to new directives and programmes originating in Istanbul and shows how the Young Turk Revolution changed the lives and perceptions of the various groups living in Palestine. It thus examines how the Revolution altered local views of status and role within the Empire, and how the various social groups perceived it differently according to their own particularistic agendas. Based on a wide and extensive variety of primary Ottoman, local and European soucrces, this volume provides new insights into a fascinating and troubling period in the history of this contested land whose impact can still be felt. It will be a vital resource for students and researchers dealing with issues such as centre-periphery relationships, reforms and modernization, Ottoman policy towards minorities and inter- and intra-communal relationships in the Empire. It will also appeal ot academics interested in the modern history of the Middle East, the Ottoman Empire and Palestine."--Publishers' description, p. [2] of dust jacket.