A pair of interesting short guides from a Palestinian perspective, capturing some of the main attractions of religious tourism in Jerusalem. Both guides are missing a corner from the recto which was torn deliberately - to assist the Council’s internal accounting - and start with an important notice that both of these areas are sacred to Muslims and that “due regard should be paid,” to their sanctity.

Signed by the unknown writer A.J, the Al-Haram Al -Sharif guide commences with an historical sketch. followed by a walking tour through the compound. The authors focuses on the Al-Aqsa Mosque (al-Masjid al-’Aqsa) and the Dome of the Rock (Qubbat al-Sakhrah).

Conversely, ‘G.A,’ commences the Al-Ibrahim guide with a brief description of the city of al Khalil, focusing on the holy cave resting places. Mirroring the other guide, it also contains an historical sketch which describes from the pre-Islamic period up until the immediate period after the Crusades (800 a.d.).

The Supreme Moslem Council was established during Mandate Palestine to have authoriy of the Wafs and Sharia courts within the country. However, this delegation of power swelled, giving the council a large powerbase within the country & led to the Arab revolts of 1936-9 against the British.

Uncommon. Worldcat lists a number of separate editions these guides (the English versions commencing from 1924. These seem to have been issued alongside a print run in French. it’s uncommon for a pair of these earlier copies to come to the market in this condition.