Syrian Jewry in Transition, 1840-1880

This pioneering study offers a comprehensive account ofSyria's key Jewish communities at an important juncture in their historythat also throws light on the broader effects of modernization in theOttoman empire. The Ottomanreforms of the mid-nineteenth century accelerated the process of openingup Syria up to European travellers and traders, and gave Syria'sJews access to European Jewish communities. The resulting influxof Western ideas led to a decline in the traditional economy,with serious con