Österreich und das Heilige Land

This collection features 207 records in their original languages—primarily German, along with French and Italian—drawn from the Jerusalem Consulate archives of the Austrian Empire and the Dual Monarchy (1849-1917). It includes documents from the Vice Consulate in Jaffa, the Embassy in Constantinople, and the political archive of the foreign ministry. These records are invaluable for understanding the history of Palestine and its populace, offering comprehensive documentation of Austrian policies in the region. The consuls' reports provide insightful analyses of the political, social, religious, and economic conditions in Palestine. Over nearly 70 years, the Austrian Consulate focused on protecting the interests of the Habsburg Monarchy in the Holy Land, striving to enhance its standing among European powers. This includes detailed accounts of the consuls' protective role for Jewish individuals and communities from the Dual Monarchy and Russia who settled in Palestine. The collection also highlights the Monarchy's ambitions as a Catholic power, particularly in relation to France. Additionally, the consuls facilitated economic development and worked to improve services such as shipping, postal systems, and banking.