Page 262 - ירושלים: גיליון רפואי

‫ˇ באדיבות כנסיית המשיח¨ ירושלים‬±∏π∑ ¨‫בית המרקחת של בית החולים האנגלי‬
Pharmacy of the English Hospital, 1897 | Courtesy of Christ Church, Jerusalem

In 1187, Saladin captured Jerusalem from the Crusaders. He established a new hospital
(Bimaristan al-Salahi), which continued to operate centuries later. The field of medicine
reached its peak in Jerusalem during this period, and famous doctors from Spain, Iraq,
and Egypt flocked to the city. However, during the Mamluk period (1260–1516) the level
of medicine in Jerusalem declined, although the hospital continued to operate in the city.
During the first fifty years of Ottoman rule, Jerusalem underwent a significant revival thanks
to Ottoman policies: The city walls were built, the water supply improved, and new bath
houses were constructed. The city had a public hospital, which continued the work of the
Bimaristan al-Salahi hospital. It employed Jewish, Karaite, and Muslim physicians under the
supervision of a government officer. Some doctors practiced general medicine, while others
specialized in specific fields such as surgery and ophthalmology.

The Muslim regime recognized the special needs of the population under its rule, many of
whom preferred the services of the Jewish institution, Bikur Holim, over those of the public
hospital. The Jewish population in Jerusalem was poor, and Bikur Holim provided medical
assistance and cheap medication to needy patients. In contrast, the Christian residents
favored the services of the Franciscan Order, which had a large medical staff including
professional doctors, pharmacists, and male nurses who came to Jerusalem from Europe.

Milestones in the History of Medicine in Jerusalem through the Ages ■ 41e