Change of the Built Environment in Jerusalem During the Late Ottoman Period (1840–1917)

Abstract

The establishment of Jerusalem, the holy city of three monotheistic religions on a global scale, dates to 4000 BCE. The city has been settled by various civilizations and has had walls protecting its borders since ancient times. Throughout history, Jerusalem has been influenced by Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, Hellenic, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic States, and Ottoman periods. The Ottoman Empire first took control of the city in 1517 and then again in 1840, when they regained dominance in Syria and Palestine. In 1841, Jerusalem was separated from the Damascus Province and directly linked to Istanbul. This marked a period of modernization for the Ottoman Empire, following the Tanzimat Edict of 1839. This led to significant changes in legal, administrative, social, economic, political, and zoning fields, transforming the appearance of Ottoman cities. This article will discuss how existing structures were managed in Jerusalem during the final period of Ottoman rule, the regulations for constructing new buildings, the preservation of ancient monuments, and the enforcement of new laws. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.