Garden cities in the Jewish Yishuv of Palestine: Zionist ideology and practice 1905–1945

Zionist urban planning in Palestine from 1905 to 1945 was profoundly shaped by the Garden City Movement, adapting its principles to create a distinct Jewish urban fabric. This study reveals how Zionist leaders and settlers in Ottoman and British Mandatory Palestine selectively adopted Garden City concepts—originating from England and Germany—to establish a 'national paradigm' for Jewish settlement. While retaining core ideas like green spaces and low-density development, local adaptations incorporated traditional elements and public demands, diverging from Ebenezer Howard's original model. The influence of these adaptations is evident in the development of Ahuzat Bayit (Tel Aviv) and beyond, setting a precedent that persists in contemporary urban planning. This research highlights Palestine as an innovative laboratory for global urban planning ideas during the early 20th century.

Zaidman, M., & Kark, R. (2015). Garden cities in the Jewish Yishuv of Palestine: Zionist ideology and practice 1905–1945. Planning Perspectives, 31(1), 55–82. https://doi.org/10.1080/02665433.2015.1039051