In the Shadow of the Wall: The Life and Death of Jerusalem's Maghrebi Quarter, 1187-1967

In 1187, Saladin founded the Maghrebi Quarter in Jerusalem to house North African Muslim pilgrims. Three days after the June 67 War, Israeli forces razed it to create the Western Wall Plaza. This book is the first history of the Maghrebi Quarter, spanning 800 years from its founding to its destruction. Vincent Lemire gathers documentation from archives and engages testimonies of former residents to bring the vanished district back to life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2023
Publisher: Stanford University Press

The Maghrebi Quarter of Jerusalem, a historic site that once held the last vestige of the Second Temple, has been a subject of fascination for many years. However, its history has remained largely unknown until now. In his groundbreaking book, Vincent Lemire presents the first comprehensive account of the Maghrebi Quarter, spanning a remarkable 800 years from its founding by Saladin in 1187 to its destruction during the June 67 War.

To bring this vanished district back to life, Lemire has undertaken an extensive research project, gathering scattered documentation from various archives in Jerusalem, Geneva, Istanbul, and Israel. He has also engaged with testimonies of former residents and analyzed recent archaeological digs that have uncovered household objects buried during the destruction.

The result of Lemire's tireless efforts is a captivating and enlightening book that offers a fresh perspective on the Maghrebi Quarter. Through his meticulous research and analysis, he sheds light on the social, cultural, and political dynamics that shaped this district and its inhabitants over the centuries.

The Western Wall Plaza, which now extends over the former Maghrebi Quarter, is one of the most iconic and recognizable places in the world. However, its historical significance has often been overshadowed by its religious and political importance. In "In the Shadow of the Wall," Lemire seeks to rectify this imbalance by providing a comprehensive account of the Maghrebi Quarter's history, its cultural significance, and its role in shaping the broader landscape of Jerusalem.

The book is organized into three distinct chapters, each exploring a different aspect of the Maghrebi Quarter's history. In the first chapter, Lemire provides a historical overview of the district, tracing its origins from its founding by Saladin to its expansion under the Mamluk dynasty and its eventual decline under the Ottoman Empire. He highlights the diverse communities that lived in the Quarter, including Muslims, Christians, and Jews, and explores the social and economic structures that supported them.

The second chapter focuses on the cultural significance of the Maghrebi Quarter. Lemire explores the rich heritage of the district, including its architecture, literature, music, and cuisine. He discusses the role of the Quarter as a center of learning and innovation, where scholars and artists from different regions gathered to exchange ideas and create new works. He also examines the impact of the Ottoman Empire on the cultural life of the Quarter, including the influence of Islamic law and customs on the daily lives of its inhabitants.

The third chapter examines the political and social dynamics that shaped the Maghrebi Quarter's history. Lemire explores the complex relationship between the local communities and the Ottoman Empire, as well as the impact of the British Mandate and the establishment of Israel on the district. He discusses the struggles of the local inhabitants to maintain their identity and preserve their cultural heritage in the face of changing political circumstances.

Throughout the book, Lemire employs a rich mix of primary sources, including historical documents, archival records, and personal testimonies, to provide a comprehensive and nuanced account of the Maghrebi Quarter's history. He also incorporates recent archaeological discoveries and historical research to shed new light on the district's past.

In conclusion, "In the Shadow of the Wall" is a groundbreaking work that offers a new perspective on the Maghrebi Quarter of Jerusalem. Through his meticulous research and engaging writing, Vincent Lemire has brought this vanished district back to life, providing a rich and detailed account of its history, cultural significance, and political dynamics. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex history of Jerusalem and the Middle East.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503634206