Diaspora-Building and Cultural Diplomacy: The Greek Community of Jerusalem in Late Ottoman Times and the Mandate

Abstract

This chapter explores the history of the Greek diasporic community of Jerusalem in late Ottoman times and the formative years of the British Mandate. It focuses on the creation of the Greek Colony and its central community institution, the so-called Greek Club, as well as the role of Greek cultural diplomacy both with the Greek community and with Arabs of the Greek Orthodox denomination, in its development. It addresses the establishment and development of the Jerusalem Greek diaspora; its relation to the Greek state; and its links to the Orthodox Patriarchate. Overall, the chapter suggests that Greece could influence, but not control, the decision-making process within the community. The Greek diaspora was excluded from systematic influence in Church administration, lacking power over communal education, and hence politically dependent on the Church.