ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an introductory context for the discussion of the narratives of the Living in Mandatory Palestine study. It is important to note that Daher laid the basis for modern Galilee, while Jazzar, the governor of Sidon Province, of which the Galilee was a part, established and furthered the process of growth in the area. Under the aggressive and powerful reign of this ruler of Bosnian descent, the Galilee enjoyed a period of security and economic prosperity. However, despite this, the growth boom was renewed when an Ottoman ruler returned, particularly during the period of reforms in the mid-nineteenth century. Thus from the time when Ottoman control over the Galilee came to an end until the outbreak of World War I in 1914, this region enjoyed growth and relative stability. Despite the fact that the Palestinian Arabs constituted a large majority, they were were composed of three religious groups: Muslims, Christians, and Druze.
