Historical Ownership of Land in Palestine/Israel: A Comprehensive Analysis

The ownership of land in the region known today as Palestine/Israel is a complex and contentious issue with roots stretching back over millennia. This article aims to provide a detailed historical overview, supported by recent scholarly findings and primary sources, to elucidate the evolution of land ownership in this region.

Introduction to the Ownership Controversy

The ownership of land in the region known as Palestine/Israel has been a subject of intense debate for several decades. This controversy has been fueled by historical claims and modern political movements, each with its own narrative. To understand the current and historical ownership of land in the region, it is essential to delve into the past, particularly the periods leading to the 20th century when the land ownership became increasingly contested.

The Land Before the British Mandate

Before the British Mandate, the land in the region of Palestine belonged to the Ottoman Empire, which had ruled it for approximately 500 years. The Ottomans maintained a form of ownership and control over the land, with landholders having the right to sell their land to others. Importantly, the land itself was not owned by the Ottoman state, but rather by individuals or families who held it under various conditions.

The British Mandate and Its Impact

The British Mandate, which began in 1920 and ended in 1948, marked a significant period in the history of the region. During this time, the British Empire administered the land, although they did not own it. The Britons kept detailed records of land ownership, which included information on land parcels that were not owned by anyone. According to a map dated 1945, the majority of the land in Palestine was color-coded as "state land conceded" or "land that belongs to nobody."

The Map of 1945: Insights into Land Ownership

Attached is a map dated 1945, which provides a visual representation of land ownership in Palestine before the UN voted to create two states. The map shows that a significant portion of the land was considered ownerless or state-conceded, meaning that landowners had requested permission from the British authorities to use the land without purchasing it. The color white on the map indicates land that belonged to no one and was part of the public register and hence had no recorded owner.

The Beduins and the Jews: Buyers of Land

During the British Mandate, the land was not owned by the British, but by individuals and families. One notable example is the land that was bought by families to start the construction of Tel Aviv. The land was bought from Beduins, who were willing to sell desert land, even if it was pure and barren. This land, which was once just desert, now forms the central part of Tel Aviv today.

Preceding Historical Ownership

Going back even further, land ownership in the region dates back to biblical times and earlier. According to some historical records, Israel owned the land approximately 3500 years ago. The biblical narratives describe Abraham's arrival in Canaan, where the land was already inhabited by various tribes, including the Nephilim and the Anakim. The Israelites were instructed to conquer these lands and displace the giant Nephilim tribes, while respecting human tribes.

The Philistines and Their Legacy

The Philistines, often mistaken as Arabs, were actually a sea-faring people from the Aegean Sea region. They built cities such as Gaza, Gath, Ashkelon, Ekron, and Ashdod along the Mediterranean coast. However, they were conquered by the Assyrians and their inhabitants were taken away, leading to the end of their settlements in the region by 500 BC.

The Name Palestine

The name "Palestine" originally came from the Greek word "Peleset," which referred to the territory of the Philistines. Later, the Romans called the region Syria-Palaestinia, and the name "Palestine" persisted. The name was applied to both Israel and the Gaza Strip.

Conclusion

The historical ownership of land in Palestine/Israel is a multifaceted issue with deep historical roots. The land ownership map from 1945, which shows significant portions of land as unowned or state-conceded, provides insight into the complex ownership structure that existed before the creation of the modern states of Israel and Palestine. Understanding the historical context is crucial for addressing the contemporary issues surrounding land ownership in the region.