Mark Twain’s letters, short stories and essays are still among the best-loved works of American literature. He was a master of satire, sarcasm and humour, a wit who relished poking fun at both sides of any argument. Yet few people know that he was also an avid traveler.
During his lifetime, Mark Twain travelled across the world, visiting several countries and continents, including the Middle East. Twain’s visit to the region was sparked by his recent acquaintance with U.S. diplomat and philanthropist James Russell Lowell, who inspired him to explore the region.
Twain’s Middle Eastern journey began in February 1867, when he arrived in then-Ottoman-controlled Jerusalem. According to eyewitness accounts, during his visit he explored the city, visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, made remarks about the locals’ religious practices and prejudices, and enjoyed the spectacular views of Mount Gilboa.
Mark Twain also made several trips to Acre, a city located in the Galilee region of what is today northern Israel. There he mingled with the locals, including a group of Druze elders, received a tour of the local fortifications, and went on long walks on the city’s acropolis. His descriptions of the city and its inhabitants, captured in great detail in his book Innocents Abroad, remain an interesting read for modern tourists.
No account of Twain’s visit to the region is complete without mentioning his visit to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, which has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. Twain’s account of his visit to this sacred valley is particularly noteworthy for its vivid descriptions of the region’s history and religious practices. Twain was so taken with the sights that he even called the place “the eighth wonder of the world”.
In all, Mark Twain’s visit to Israel extended to three months in both 1867 and 1869. His writings, collected in books such as Innocents Abroad and Following the Equator, are a testament to his enthusiasm and enthusiasm for travelling. They offer the reader a unique insight into the culture, history and people of the Middle East during the 19th century.
Economy during Twain’s Visit to Israel
At the time of Mark Twain’s visit to Israel, the economy was weak. Ottoman rule limited the growth of industry and banking, as well as high taxation and government bureaucracy. This was the reason for the region’s poverty and the widespread poverty of its inhabitants.
Twain observed the land during his visit and he drew attention to the grinding poverty of the people living in the region, of both Jewish and Arab population. Even though the Middle Eastern region is famous for its bustling marketplaces and roads filled with merchants, Twain found virtually no evidence of these merchants or of marketplace activity during his stay.
During his stay in the land, it became quite clear that much of the local population had very limited access to resources and was facing many struggles. Some of them had difficulty meeting basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing, while others had to contend with rampant diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever.
Despite all this, Twain was still deeply impressed by the beauty of the land, the culture and its people. He saw potential in all of them, in particular the Jewish population, who he respected and even considered as friends.
Influence of Twain’s Visit on Current Events
The impact of Twain’s visit is still evident today. His writings on his journey have been influential in inspiring many writers, scholars, academics and politicians to examine the region he wrote about and draw parallels to current events unfolding in the Middle East.
In particular, Twain’s writings have provided a great deal of insight into the region’s current struggles and helped to explain the political and religious tensions that exist between the people of the region today. Twain’s words should serve as a warning to those who refuse to recognise the importance of respecting cultural, religious and ethnic differences in the region.
Today, travelers to the region often refer to Twain’s writings as a source of inspiration and guidance. His writing continues to offer a unique perspective on the Middle East’s complex culture and history, a perspective that is genuinely enlightening for anyone looking for a more complete understanding of the region’s inhabitants and their struggles.
Twains Impact on Israeli Tourism
Mark Twain’s visit and his writings have been cited as a major factor in the development of modern Israeli tourism. Through his pen, Twain enabled the world to connect with the Middle East’s vibrant culture and to become aware of the region’s beauty and fascinating history. His writings also helped to promote the region’s economic development.
Thanks to Twain, modern travelers are now well-acquainted with the land that he wrote about and its active tourism industry. In addition, his writings have influenced the design and architecture of modern-day tourism destinations such as the Dome of the Rock, the Western Wall, and the Valley of Jehoshaphat.
In recent years, Twain’s work has gained new audiences thanks to its presence on the internet. Although the original readers of Twain’s works were mostly American, people from all over the world can now read his works and gain insight into the beauty and quirkiness of the Middle East region.
Twain’s Legacy in Israel
Today, Mark Twain is widely recognised in Israel as an iconic figure in the world of travel and writing. Each year, a large number of visitors make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem to see the sights he described, including the Western Wall, the Valley of Jehoshaphat and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Elsewhere in the country, memorials and halls are dedicated to Twain, who is seen as a symbol of the region’s beautiful past and its exciting future.
Twain’s influence on the region is also evident in the many books, films and television series that have been inspired by his work. These works have helped to spread the appreciation of the Middle East to a much wider audience, and they serve to make Twain’s writings even more lasting and relevant.
Conclusion
Mark Twain’s 1867 visit to Israel is an important part of the region’s history. Through his writings and observations, Twain enabled the world to learn more about the Middle East and its culture. His work continues to be an inspiration to modern travelers, scholars, and journalists, and it serves as an enduring reminder of the region’s beauty and complexity.
