Historical photos show life in Palestine before the withdrawal of British troops in 1948

Elias ChavezJan 13, 2024, 12:16 IST

People crowd around a steamroller rolling down Jerusalem street.Matson photograph collection via Library of Congress.

Palestine had a successful importing and exporting industry at the beginning of the 20th century.
The expansion of railroads throughout Palestine to neighboring countries helped the region's growth in business.

At the end of World War I, the British occupied the formerly Ottoman-controlled Palestine and declared the establishment in Palestine of a national home for Jewish people. For the next two decades, over 100,000 Jews entered Palestine.

Tensions reached their boiling point after the British withdrew from Palestine in 1948 and the Arab-Israeli War began.

Despite moments of heavy tension and conflict within Palestine during British occupation, life and commerce continued. Historical photos offer a glimpse into everyday life in Palestine before the withdrawal of British troops.

In the 1920s, Jerusalem started to become an important commercial center.

The Nablus soap stock room where soap is stacked to dry.Matson photograph collection via Library of Congress.

Palestine utilized the new influx of commerce to build roads and railroads that connected Jerusalem to other ports and cities.

People crowd around a steamroller rolling down Jerusalem street.Matson photograph collection via Library of Congress.

Produce was bountiful and available to buy on a small or large scale.

A boy collects Palestinian oranges at Damascus gate.Matson photograph collection via Library of Congress.

Investments from neighboring countries solidified a strong trade economy.

A typical dry goods stall in Nebi Rubin (The Prophet Reuben), Southern Palestine.Matson photograph collection via Library of Congress.

Locals ran food markets and bakeries.

A bakery in Nebi Rubin (The Prophet Reuben) in Southern Palestine.Matson photograph collection via Library of Congress.

People went about their daily lives, buying groceries and interacting with their neighbors.

A Palestinian baker sells bread to a customer.Matson photograph collection via Library of Congress

The Friends of Ramallah, a Quaker organization, opened up schools for children.

Children at the Ramallah Quaker Mission School.Matson photograph collection via Library of Congress.

Women of different ages would gather to knit and spin wool at the Women's Institute.

Arab women of the Women's Institute in Old City.Matson photograph collection via Library of Congress

There were still constant reminders of the presence of a foreign occupier throughout the first half of the 20th century.

Two women walk in front of an American market in Palestine.Matson photograph collection via Library of Congress.

Despite the civil unrest lurking in Palestine, there was also a sense of normal day-to-day life.

Old City Street, Nazareth.Matson photograph collection via Library of Congress.

See the desert ghost town Israeli soldiers call 'Mini Gaza,' where the Israel Defense Forces train for urban warfare

Cookies on the Business Insider India website