Naqib al-Ashraf Revolt: Uprising by Jerusalem's Residents Against Authority

In 1703, Jerusalem witnessed a significant uprising known as the Naqib al-Ashraf Revolt, which was spearheaded by Muhammad ibn Mustafa al-Husayni, the chief of the ashraf families. This revolt was supported by the city's notable figures, reflecting a collective discontent with the existing Ottoman authority. The rebels targeted the home of the qadi, the Islamic judge and a symbol of imperial power, which was ransacked during the uprising. Tragically, the violence escalated when the qadi's translator was killed by the insurgents. Following the initial success, al-Husayni and his supporters took control of the city, governing it independently for a period. However, their rule was short-lived as an Ottoman siege, coupled with internal conflicts, compelled al-Husayni and his followers to retreat from Jerusalem in October 1705. This revolt not only highlighted the tensions between local leaders and the Ottoman Empire but also marked a pivotal moment in the history of Jerusalem's governance during the early 18th century.