In 1832, Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Tzoref obtained a building permit from Muhammad Ali Pasha, then ruler of Egypt, allowing the Ashkenazi community in Jerusalem to build a synagogue in the Hurva courtyard. The Firman, shown on this page, enabled the initial building in the courtyard. Only in 1856 was Sir Moses Montefiore able to bring the Sultan’s authorization from Constantinople.
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To the Pasha of Jerusalem, the Qadi and members of the court
Emir of Emirs, Greatest of the Great, Illustrious Majesty, Magnificent Highness, Exalted Assistant to the King of the World, Ismail Camal Pascha, now Mutztaraf of Holy Jerusalem, praised be his greatness, and with the Muslim Qadis, Master of Masters, Source of Righteousness, Carrier of the flag of the Torah and Faith, inheritor of the science of the prophets and emissaries of the Lord, O Master, our Sire, Qadi of Holy Jerusalem, may your magnificence grow, as will grow the magnificence of members of your court.
Be it known to all that when this Royal decree reaches you, regarding the community of Jews known as Ashkenazi residing in Holy Jerusalem; there is a difference between them and all other Jews in questions of language and religion, and as they do not participate with them in their synagogues, they have issued a private request that I provide a permit to build a synagogue on a site that has been since time immemorial the site of a synagogue. There is no need for commentary, in accordance with generosity and justice, there must be respite for all religions within your magnificent kingdom, I have taken upon myself to dispatch to the aforementioned community a private building license to build a synagogue at that place,
And on this subject has my royal decree been issued,
And on this subject have I issued my Firman
To execute the request
And the decree has been dispatched from my royal office, which includes the permit. And therefore you, the aforementioned Mutztaraf, and our masters the Qadi and all the abovementioned, be it known to you that I have issued my Royal Permit, and at the aforementioned place shall be built a synagogue as described. Do your utmost to ensure that no delays or impediments caused by any man obstruct the work, and should this be attempted, ensure they will be punished and denounced. As you do this, you will indicate that you are loyal subjects to me.
Written in the middle of the month of Shawal, 1271, in Glorious Constantinople.
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