The "Old City" of Jerusalem is divided into four distinct neighborhoods, which were named to reflect the ethnic group that comprises it's majority population. Surrounded by ancient walls, the four quarters form a rectangular shaped grid. Using streets as imaginary "dividing lines", there are four quarters: Jewish, Armenian, Christian, and Muslim.
The Old City is about 220 acres in size. The surrounding walls were re-built in the 1500s when Jerusalem was part of the Ottoman Empire. The Old City has 11 gates, of which only seven are currently open. One of the closed gates is the "Golden Gate". This gate is closest one to where the 1st and 2nd Jewish Temples once stood. According to Jewish tradition, when the Messiah arrives, he will enter Jerusalem through this very gate. To prevent this from ever happening, the Muslims had the gate sealed permanently shut.
The main entrance to the Old City is through the Jaffa Gate, which is large enough to allow cars to pass through. Just inside that gate are two graves beneath some trees. It is believed that these are the graves
of the two architects whom the Suleiman the Magnificent, had re-build the city walls. The story goes that the two men were put to death because either the Sultan wanted to ensure they would never build anything
more impressive, or because they failed to include Mount Zion within the walls of the Old City.
They say the best way to get to know the Old City is wander through each quarter. Seeing the people in each neighborhood, allows visitors to get a feel for Jerusalem - both old and new. To prepare me for my travels, I thought I would take a few days to examine each of the four quarters and see what each one has to has to offer.
