Islam, the West and Jerusalem

Islam, the West and Jerusalem examines the historical tension between Islamic and Western powers over the contested holy city of Jerusalem. Walid Khalidi analyzes the evolving political dynamics from the early Islamic period through modern times. The book traces key events and policies that shaped Jerusalem's status, including the Crusades, Ottoman rule, European colonialism, and the establishment of Israel. Through extensive research and documentation, Khalidi presents the perspectives of multiple stakeholders in the ongoing dispute. The work encompasses geopolitical, religious and cultural dimensions of Jerusalem's significance to Islam, Christianity and Judaism. The narrative incorporates primary sources and historical records to illustrate the city's central role in regional conflicts. This scholarly examination speaks to broader themes of religious identity, territorial sovereignty, and the complex intersection of faith and politics in the Middle East. The book contributes to understanding contemporary debates about Jerusalem's future status and administration.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Walid Khalidi's overall work: Readers value Khalidi's detailed documentation and primary source research in covering Palestinian history. His books receive particular credit for preserving photographic records and oral histories that might otherwise be lost. What readers liked: - Comprehensive documentation of pre-1948 Palestinian villages and communities - Inclusion of maps, photographs, and first-hand accounts - Clear presentation of historical evidence - Thorough citations and academic rigor What readers disliked: - Dense academic writing style can be challenging for general readers - Some note the high price points of his books - Limited availability of certain works Ratings across platforms: - "Before Their Diaspora" averages 4.5/5 on Goodreads (42 ratings) - "All That Remains" averages 4.7/5 on Amazon (limited reviews) One reader on Goodreads notes: "Invaluable photographic documentation of Palestinian society before 1948." Another comments: "The level of detail and research is impressive, though the academic tone requires focused reading."

Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths by Karen Armstrong This historical examination traces Jerusalem's significance across Islam, Christianity, and Judaism from ancient times through modern conflicts.

The Question of Palestine by Edward W. Saïd This work analyzes the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through historical documentation and political developments from the British Mandate to contemporary times.

Jerusalem: The Biography by Simon Sebag Montefiore This chronicle presents Jerusalem's 3,000-year history through its rulers, wars, and religious transformations from King David to modern geopolitics.

The Great War for Civilisation: The Conquest of the Middle East by Robert Fisk This account covers the major conflicts and political changes in the Middle East through firsthand reporting and historical analysis.

Sacred Landscape: The Buried History of the Holy Land by Meron Benvenisti This study examines the transformation of Palestine's physical and cultural landscape through maps, archaeological findings, and historical records.

🕌 Walid Khalidi, born in Jerusalem in 1925, is considered one of the most influential Palestinian historians and was a professor at Oxford, the American University of Beirut, and Harvard. 🏛️ The book examines how the status of Jerusalem has been shaped by three major historical forces: Islamic civilization, Western imperialism, and Zionism. 📚 Khalidi's work is particularly noted for using extensive Ottoman archives and documents, providing insights into Jerusalem's administration that were previously unexplored in Western scholarship. 🗺️ The author's analysis includes detailed maps and demographic data showing how Jerusalem's religious and ethnic composition changed dramatically between 1900-1948. 🏺 The research draws connections between medieval Islamic architectural preservation efforts in Jerusalem and modern-day disputes over archaeological sites in the Old City.