The Last Mutasarrif: Ali Munif Bey and Jerusalem

In this episode of The History of Palestine, we turn the lens away from the political factions and military commanders that dominate earlier episodes, focusing instead on the man who held the administrative keys to Jerusalem as the Ottoman Empire collapsed. We explore the life and career of Ali Munif Bey, the last Mutasarrif of the Sanjak of Jerusalem, serving during a period of immense upheaval from 1914 to 1918. Lucas and Luna examine how Munif Bey navigated the treacherous waters between the Sublime Porte in Istanbul, the British forces advancing from Egypt, and the local Arab notables like the Husayni and Nashashibi families who were vying for power. We look at specific documents and policies he implemented, including his attempts to maintain civic order while the city faced food shortages and conscription. Through his eyes, we see the bureaucratic machinery of the Ottoman state grinding to a halt, offering a rare glimpse into the quiet desperation of an administrator trying to preserve the status quo until the very last moment. This is a story about governance, loyalty, and the personal cost of historical tides.

#AliMunifBey #Mutasarrif #SanjakOfJerusalem #SublimePorte #OttomanEmpire #JerusalemHistory #MiddleEastHistory #HusayniFamily #NashashibiFamily #BritishMandate #WorldWarOne #PalestineHistory #OttomanAdministration #CityOfDavid #Waqf #FexingoHistory #HistoryPodcast #Humanities

Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo