Large Collection of Photographs – The Holy Land under Ottoman Rule – George Henry Judd of the Royal Geographical Society

Large Collection of Photographs – The Holy Land under Ottoman Rule – George Henry Judd of the Royal Geographical Society

A unique collection comprising some 250 photographs of the Holy Land in the late Ottoman period. [Early 20th century].

Roughly 250 photographs produced at the time of the visit to the Holy Land by George Henry Judd of the Royal Geographical Society, most of them likely taken by Judd himself, using his own personal camera which he brought along from one place to the next.

Among other things, the photos provide rare documentation of sites Judd managed to reach, including burial caves; the inner chambers of churches and other places of worship; panoramic views from all over the country, taken from rooftops and the upper decks of towers; and pictures of Judd himself, typically in the company of armed escorts, tour guides, accompanying colleagues, religious figures, and other people.

Included among the photographs: The Dome of the Rock; Church of the Holy Sepulchre; the Old City of Jerusalem’s Damascus Gate and Jaffa Gate (the latter with the short-lived Ottoman clocktower in the background); Hebron; Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee; the Dead Sea; Jericho; Tower of the Forty Martyrs (minaret of the White Mosque of Ramle); Haifa; inhabitants drawing water from the cisterns of the Temple Mount plaza; the home (just prior to completion) of the German architect, archaeologist, and Protestant missionary Conrad Schick on Jerusalem’s HaNevi'im Street; a Jewish wedding; female students at Jerusalem’s School for the Blind; and more.

Most of the photographs are dated and titled in English handwriting on verso, presumably by Judd himself. Some hand-colored photos. Many photos in multiple copies (at times exhibiting slight variations in hue).

Judd donated his collections and finds to The British Museum upon his return from his travels to the Near East, ca. 1910. Some of these collections and individual items are mentioned in various books and catalogues.

Some 250 photographs. Size and condition vary (most photos approx. 9X8.5). Overall good condition.

Enclosed: Photocopy of George Henry Judd’s certificate of membership, received upon acceptance to the Royal Geographical Society.