The best books to help understand Jerusalem

Jerusalem has been the most important city in world history because it is sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

It has been fought over, conquered, destroyed, and occupied countless times over the millennia, and Simon Sebag Montefiore's book attempts to cover this entire historical tapestry, from Jerusalem's earliest times up to the late twentieth century.

He delves into the biblical period, the city's destructions, the Crusades, the Ottoman era, the British mandate, and much more. It is an immense task to try to encompass all the key developments in the city, but this book achieves it as well as possible.

Montefiore sheds light on significant aspects of the city’s history through the details of individuals, making the book highly readable. If you wish to grasp the essence of Jerusalem, this book should be your starting point. 

Wasif Jawhariyyeh was a musician and composer belonging to the Greek Orthodox community of Jerusalem who lived in the city during the late Ottoman and Mandatory eras. 

He was acquainted with many of the ruling families in the city and worked within the British administration. This book chronicles his life and provides a vivid depiction of the city throughout the Ottoman and Mandate periods until 1948 when he went into exile. 

The book offers a captivating perspective on the lives of the city's inhabitants during those times and the amalgamation of diverse populations. Jawhariyyeh occasionally reminisces through a nostalgic lens, suggesting that issues between various groups only arose after the British arrival. 

Nonetheless, the book provides an insightful and engaging glimpse into the city's social fabric.

A Tale of Love and Darkness is a beautifully written memoir of Amos Oz’s childhood during the period when the British Mandate was concluding and the State of Israel was being established.

Amos Oz moved to Jerusalem shortly before Wasif Jawhariyyeh departed. The book primarily focuses on his personal experiences, his family, and particularly his relationship with his mother, who battles with depression. These are retold against the backdrop of momentous historical events notably the conflict between the different communities.

Jerusalem has been conquered, destroyed, and plundered throughout its history. Successive conquerors have built on their predecessors, as a result much of Jerusalem’s history is hidden.

This book tells the tale of a century and a half of people digging below Jerusalem to find what is hidden. While many of those who dug were reputable others had ulterior motives seeking either to prove their religious beliefs or their group’s claim to the city or sometimes seeking treasure.

They have and are being used to change the city and this book tells the history of their work and its impact on the citizens of the city. It is a fascinating tale. 

This is a new biography of the city that attempts to dispel many of the stereotypes associated with it.

It is written by a British author who is well-acquainted with the city, having visited it for several decades. One of the most commonly held descriptions of the city is that it is divided into four quarters: Jewish, Christian, Armenian, and Muslim.

However, as the title suggests, this book seeks to challenge this notion, which was first described by a British cleric primarily for the sake of visitors. The book delves into the stories of the city's places and people to showcase its true diversity. This includes highlighting smaller groups such as the Dom gypsies (as they define themselves) and Karaite Jews.

Furthermore, the book vividly captures the tastes, flavors, and aromas of the city, allowing readers to develop a genuine understanding of the people of Jerusalem’s old city.