Maritime Transportation of Russian Pilgrims to Palestine in Late 19th Century

This study explores the emerging trends in maritime pilgrimage routes to Palestine during the late 19th century. It analyzes the shipping routes utilized by Russian pilgrims traveling from the Russian Empire to the Eastern Mediterranean. The article focuses on passenger flows from Sevastopol and Black Sea ports in the lead-up to the establishment of the Taurida Department of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society in April 1900. The sources include archival documents (reports), periodicals from the time, memoir literature, and travelers' accounts. The primary passenger transportation lines are characterized, revealing that the Sevastopol-Constantinople route was the sole maritime passage from the Crimean Peninsula. The authors argue that these maritime routes had specific characteristics that distinguished them from the spontaneous pilgrimage practices that existed prior to the formation of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society, which facilitated Russian presence in Palestine. It is demonstrated that pilgrimage through maritime ports was of paramount importance. Furthermore, it is asserted that protectionist policies — manifested in reduced travel costs, organized interactions with consular services, and logistical support for the most impoverished pilgrims — created conditions conducive to mass Russian pilgrimages to Orthodox holy sites in Palestine.

Maritime route, Palestine, Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society, pilgrimage activities, Black Sea ports, Sevastopol