Jerusalem in World War I

'[This is a] fascinating narrative of daily life in Jerusalem during the Great War as observed by the Spanish consul Ballobar - one of the few European diplomats who remained in the embattled city during the war. Roberto Mazza's erudite introduction - based largely on the underutilized Spanish and Italian archives - contextualizes the diary within the debate about the nature of Ottoman rule of Palestine at the turn of the century. Of particular importance, and originality, is the discussion about the diarist's close relationship with the controversial figure of Cemal Pasha, the Military Governor of Syria, and a leading figure of the Young Turks.' Dr. Salim Tamari, Director of the Institute for Palestine Studies, Editor of the Jerusalem Quarterly, Professor of Sociology at Birzeit University; 'With this excellent translation of the Spanish consul Conde de Ballobar's diary, another invaluable historical record is added to our growing knowledge of the history of Jerusalem and its communities during the years of World War I. The diary offers a vivid and lively description of the city and enriches our understanding of the complex reality of this period, with the different agents acting within it: its residents from the various religious and national groups, the representatives of foreign powers as well as the Ottoman authorities. This translation will surely be used as a source for future studies of the city of Jerusalem during the fascinating times of World War I and the change of regimes.' Dr. Abigail Jacobson, author of From Empire to Empire: Jerusalem Between Ottoman and British Rule; 'The diary of the Spanish consul in Jerusalem, Conde de Ballobar, is a treasure for historians of World War I in Palestine. [Until now] it was a hidden treasure. This translation of the diary into English presents this treasure to the astonished public. From now on, this diary will be an indispensable tool for those who try to really understand the situation in this decisive period almost one hundred years ago.' Dr. Norbert Schwake, author of Deutsche Soldatengraber in Israel