Jordanian stamps of Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem: 1967-1989

Abstract

ABSTRACT Jordanian postage stamp depictions of the Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem demonstrate how the Hashemite regime aims to bolster its legitimacy, balance relations with the PLO and Israel, affirm domestic and international sympathy and support to administer the Muslim holy places, and convey the kingdom’s close attachment to the Palestinian issue. These depictions aim to create the additional impression that due to Jordan’s special role, it has a strong stake in the stability west of the River and should be consulted in any political settlement between Israelis and Palestinians. Jordanian stamp depictions of the Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem are distinguished from other countries due to the Hashemite guardianship claim since 1924, Jordan’s annexation of Eastern Jerusalem and the West Bank in 1950, and Jordan’s interpretation of UN Resolution 242 that described these lands as Jordanian and should be returned under Hashemite sovereignty. This study aims to chronicle and analyse Jordanian stamp depictions from 1967 to 1989, one year after King Hussein’s decision to disengagement legal and administrative ties to the West Bank.