Viticulture Activities and Wine Production in Ottoman Jerusalem: The Case of Jaffa, Sarona and Uyun Qara (1875-1917)

In the dynamic political atmosphere of the 19th century, interest in Jerusalem grew significantly, leading to an acceleration of migration to the region. Within the framework of imperialist policies directed at Ottoman territories, settlements with hegemonic aims increased. Influential organizations such as the Rothschild family and the Templer Society invested in Jaffa and its surroundings to ensure the permanence of foreign settlers in the area, establishing agricultural colonies aligned with Zionist ambitions. This study examines viticultural activities shaped by migration to Jerusalem, focusing specifically on Jaffa, Sarona, and Uyun Qara. Additionally, it is noteworthy that the chosen geography was selected for its suitability for agricultural activities, which contributed to the success of these migrations. Another factor enabling the productivity of German Jewish settlers in agricultural colonies around Jaffa was the integration of the Jaffa port into the international markets of the Eastern Mediterranean trade network during the 19th century. The significance of the port is evident in the processing of grapes in factories and their export to foreign markets. By the early 20th century, Jaffa, Sarona, and Uyun Qara had become prominent centers of wine production. Notably, the wines produced in Uyun Qara gained international recognition for their quality. In summary, this study, based on Ottoman archival documents as well as various research and analytical works, aims to investigate the viticultural activities conducted by foreign settlers in Ottoman Jerusalem between 1875 and 1917, with a particular focus on alcohol production and trade.