The olive tree is not just the modern symbol of the Palestinians and their deep roots in the soil of their land, it was always central to their history and economy.
Along with cotton, which the Palestinians exported to Marseilles, olive oil and olive soap were major export industries in the early Ottoman period, a reflection of the astonishing number amount of olive trees growing between Jerusalem and Nablus.
The trees were divided into rumani- the big, old spreading ones that dated back to Byzantine times and so were most fruiful- and the more youthful islami ones, those planted under Muslim rule, so younger and therefore less productive and taxed at a lower rate.
Camels carried the oil into town, each one carrying a load of four vessels, while soap was carried out. The Ottomans taxed camels moving in both directions.
There were at least twelve olive oil soap factories operating in Jerusalem under the Mamluks.
Under early Ottoman rule, the Jerusalem economy greatly enlarged, well-organised guilds were set up and yet more soap factories were built.
The Janisseries in the Citadel and the 'ulama of the al-Aqsa were both heavily invested in the trade.
By the 18thC, the making of olive oil soap had partly migrated to Nablus, which along with Acre became the richest city in the region, largely on the proceeds.
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