City of Jerusalem

Click on the link above to access the map that illustrates the Old City of Jerusalem. Jerusalem is a place of great symbolic importance; it serves as a holy city for Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Among its 220 historic monuments, the Dome of the Rock stands out: built in the 7th century, it is decorated with beautiful geometric and floral motifs.

The Dome of the Rock is recognized by all three religions as the site of Abraham's sacrifice. The Wailing Wall delimits the quarters of the different religious communities, while the Resurrection rotunda in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre houses Christ's tomb.

Source: Image of the Dome of the Rock 053011, Wikipedia

The Old City of Jerusalem is a 0.35 square mile walled area within the modern city of Jerusalem. Until the 1860s this area made up the entire city of Jerusalem. The Old City is home to several sites of key religious importance: the Temple Mount and its Western Wall for Jews, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christians, and the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims.

Roll your mouse over the map below to explore the four quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem.

Traditionally, the Old City has been divided into four uneven quarters, although the current designations were introduced only in the 19th century. Today, the Old City is roughly divided into the Muslim Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Jewish Quarter and the Armenian Quarter.

Activity

Analyze the photos in this slideshow that shows where the followers of various religions worship within the Four Quarters.

Jerusalem

Now view the photos in this slide show and compare them to the previous photos:

West Jerusalem with an Urban Edge

It is amazing how the same location can look both modern and ancient at the same time! What differences did you observe in the photos? Are the photos similar or different?

Think about what you have learned so far and answer the following questions in your notes.

Activity

1. Why do you think the Four Quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem are divided by religious boundaries?
2. Based on the photos that you have analyzed, do you believe that it is easy for people of different faiths to migrate from one quarter to the other? Explain your answer by using examples from the photos, maps, and text.
3. The Old City of Jerusalem is considered a holy city for Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Since the symbolic Dome of the Rock is in the Muslim Quarter, do you believe this creates conflict? Explain your answer.
4. What type of boundaries exists in the Old City of Jerusalem: natural, political, or cultural? Explain your answer.