The History of the Mughrabi Quarter: Wiping Out Eight Centuries of Presence in Jerusalem
Keyword: 
Jerusalem
Mughrabi Neighborhood
al-Buraq
archives
multifaceted colonial powers
destruction of historical sites
Abstract: 

In the Shadow of the Wall by Vincent Lemire explores the Mughrabi neighborhood’s proximity to al-Buraq Wall and its significance in the history of the city of Jerusalem. Through a meticulous examination of events such as the 1929 Buraq Wall Uprising and the Great Revolt that followed, Lemire highlights the resilience of the Mughrabi community against multiple colonial powers in order to protect their deeprooted historical presence in Jerusalem. Drawing on a variety of historical sources and personal testimonies, the narrative not only provides a retrospective account, but also offers insights into the ongoing colonial
project in Palestine. Lemire’s analytical approach sheds light on the enduring challenges faced by Palestinians and other communities closely linked to the
history of Palestine. These challenges include forced displacement and the destruction of key historical landmarks that act as links between communities
and the land, all aimed at reshaping and reconstructing a new historical narrative. Ultimately, the book interweaves archival evidence with broader historical contexts, providing readers with a valuable perspective on the intricate tapestry of Jerusalem’s history.

Author biography: 

Maissoun Sharkawi is an associate professor in the Faculty of Applied Arts at the Palestinian Technical University–Kadoori in Ramallah. She is a research associate for the French Institute of the Near East (IFPO) and is currently researching Algerian exile and migration to northern Palestine between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.