On the back of this photograph is written: “Jamal the Generalismus of the Turkish 4th Army inspecting the troops before they leave for the front.”
The photograph indeed shows a parade of the soldiers of the 4th Army of the Ottoman infantry that was under the command of Djemal Pasha, one of the three leaders, known as the Three Pashas, who ruled the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Following losses to the Ottoman Army under Djemal Pasha’s command, a decision was made to hand the command over to German and Austrian commanders who had arrived in Israel. Before leaving Israel for the battle fronts of Europe (probably Gallipoli), the soldiers held this farewell parade at the Refaim Valley (Emek Refaim) near the German colony.
Djemal Pesha can be seen with a beard and a round hat, riding his horse on the left. Beside him is Friedrich von Kressenstein, the German officer who replaced him.
In the background are buildings of Jerusalem. On the left is Mount Zion, a hill that is situated outside the Old City walls to the south, with the Abbey of the Dormition and the tall bell tower next to it. To the left of the abbey is the southern end of the Old City walls. Between the location of the parade and Mount Zion there are very few trees or buildings. The village of A-tur can be seen on the right and in the background the tower of the Russian Chapel of the Ascension. In the foreground, there are houses of the German Colony, including the Imberger family cow shed.
This photograph is part of a collection of photographs taken by the American Colony Photo Service. This specific photograph was probably taken by Louis Larsen who documented the Turkish and German soldiers in World War I, thanks to his close connections with the Turkish rulers in Israel, especially Djemal Pasha himself. The collection also features German and Turkish military officers stationed in Palestine, the entry of the British army into Jerusalem, and the first high commissioner of Judea, Sir Herbert Samuel.
