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The Struggle to Save the National Symbol: Jaffa Port from the Arab Revolt Until the Twilight of the British Mandate
Abstract
The outbreak of the Arab revolt marked the start of the continuous economic decline of Jaffa, which hitherto had been known as an outstanding and flourishing economic centre. The decisive factor that highlighted above all others the city's economic deterioration was the decline of its port. This carried notable moral implication for the Arab public, as Jaffa port, the city's symbol and legacy, was deemed a national emblem and a foundation stone of the Palestinian Arab economy. Its decline from 1936 onwards instigated a bitter struggle to restore it to its halcyon days. The article examines the measures taken by the local Arab leadership bodies and by the Arab Higher Committee to resurrect the port and its status, from the outbreak of the 1936 disturbances until the war that broke out in 1947.
... Due to the presence of calcareous sandstone and red sand and loam along the coast, locally called kurkars provided aquifers that were beneficial for local agriculture. The agricultural hinterland of Jaffa, one of the largest in the country, was at the forefront of the commercial activity of citrus production and export and gained prominence by the end of the 19 th century as a major economic center and port (Goren 2015). However, during the mid-1930s, the development of the Jewish city of Tel Aviv had implications on the historic urban landscape of Jaffa to a great extent. ...
The urban planning evolution of Jaffa has been significantly shaped by political dynamics and conflict. Before 1948, Jaffa exhibited a diverse population and a distinctive urban layout reflective of its unique character. The British and Arab vision of the time aimed to expand and modernize Jaffa's urban fabric; however, the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 led to a reevaluation of urban plans to accommodate a growing Jewish population and their vision for a modern city. Focusing on specific neighbourhoods, this article delves into the intricate interplay of social, political, and economic forces that have shaped Jaffa’s urban structure, planning strategies, and development outcomes. Through this examination, valuable insights emerge, shedding light on the role of planning in shaping the social fabric of cities navigating significant historical and geopolitical transitions. The article emphasizes the delicate balance between modernization imperatives and the preservation of cultural heritage, underscoring the significance of fostering social inclusion and pursuing equitable development.
One of the most grievous outcomes of the Arab revolt (1936-1939) was the severe economic damage caused to the Arab community. The worsening relations between Jews and Arabs from the start of the 1936 disturbances and thereafter had distinct consequences regarding the decline in Jaffa’s economic state. The slump that affected Jaffa from 1936 to the end of the Mandate period encroached on the city’s status and strength, as its weaknesses became more marked. This article proposes that the Jews had a significant role in Jaffa’s economic decline, principally due to their preponderance in the city’s commercial life. The article examines and evaluates the extent of the Jews’ influence on Jaffa's economic deterioration in the period from 1936 to 1947. It demonstrates that they constituted a significant factor affecting the city’s economic decline, with evident implications for its condition toward the end of that period.
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