George Allen Turner
Palestine
"The
Holy Land - the narrow bridge linking Africa, Europe, and
Asia - remains a focal point of global significance. It has
several names. "Land of Canaan" commemorates its inhabitants
prior to the coming of the Israelites. The term "Palestine"
honors the Philistines, who migrated from the Greek islands
to the southeast coastal area of Palestine during the
twelfth century B.C. It also was called the "Land of Israel"
since the establishment of the kingdom there under King Saul
and King David. From the Roman period until modern times, it
was known as a part of "Syria." But to Abraham and his
descendants it remains "The Promised Land."
"Palestine" is the name still most widely used, although
there are voices today that say this name is no longer
applicable - given the choice neither the Arab nor the Jew
would choose this name."
George Allen
Turner, "Historical Geography of the Holy Land" (Baker
Book House Company, 1973) p. x, Preface.
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