Public Sphere in Jerusalem Under British Mandate: The Case of Mir’âtu’ş-şark Newspaper (1919-1925)

Abstract

The Mandate Palestine Period (1919-1948) represents a historical juncture marked by intense social and political transformations. This study examines the critical role of the press in these transformations, focusing specifically on the Mir’ât al-Sharq newspaper. Using Habermas’s concept of the “literary public sphere” as its theoretical framework, the research explores how literary publicity in Palestinian society took shape between 1919 and 1925, particularly in relation to the construction of political consciousness and spatial identities.

The article aims to analyze the specific impact of the press on the formation of the public sphere in Mandate Palestine. It seeks to elucidate how Mir’ât al-Sharq mediated political, social, and cultural debates, fostered dialogue among diverse social groups, and contributed to the construction of a modern Palestinian identity. The research employs a content analysis methodology based on archival materials from the newspaper. Furthermore, it draws on secondary sources and academic studies on the history of Mandate Palestine to provide a deeper understanding of the sociopolitical context of the period.

The study demonstrates that Mir’âtü’ş-Şark was not merely a source of news but a significant literary platform where public discussions in Mandate Palestine took shape. Beyond informing the public about local and global events, the newspaper played a pivotal role in raising political awareness, strengthening social solidarity, and reinforcing a sense of spatial belonging. In this context, Mir’ât al-Sharq was instrumental in shaping the political and cultural identity of modern Palestine.

Future research could benefit from examining other periodicals alongside Mir’ât al-Sharq, offering a broader perspective on the dynamics of literary publicity during this period. Additionally, a comparative analysis of the transformations in Mandate Palestine’s press within the framework of social and political events could open new avenues for understanding continuities and ruptures between spatial and literary public spheres.