AJE - Jerusalem 3000 - The Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter

Historical Background

Records of its synagogues go back as far as the 13th century. In the mid 19th century, about 7000 Jews were living in the Old City, just under half its total population. By the beginning of the 20th century this had more than doubled. However the crowded insanitary conditions inside the Old City led to the development of settlements outside the city walls. By the end of 1948, only about 2000 Jews were still living there.

After the Six Day War in 1967, the Jews returned to the Old City. The Jewish Quarter was now a site of devastation and desolation. About 60 synagogues had been desecrated and ruined, public buildings destroyed and the area had become a slum. From 1967, the reconstruction of the Jewish Quarter as a residential neighbourhood, began.

It was planned to house 630 families in the Quarter, the rest being devoted to public and religious institutions including about 60 synagogues and four main yeshivot. The residential units are built around inner courtyards shared by several families. The buildings have been designed in a pyramidal style, allowing the sunlight to reach the ground. This stepped design allows the roofs to be used as passageways, courtyards and balconies.

It is now a network of narrow winding alleys and unexpected courtyards. It is a pedestrian-only area, closed to motorised traffic as is most of the Old City.

Arches, domes and vaults have been used in the architecture helping to create the picturesque character of the neighbourhood. The main shopping and tourist road is the Street of the Jews which is along the north-south axis of the Old City.

Location

The Old City was divided into four quarters by the Romans' north-south and east-west axes. The Jewish Quarter is located in the south-eastern corner of the walled Old City. This is the area closest to the remains of the Second Temple. The other three quarters are inhabited by the Christian, Moslem and Armenian communities, respectively.

The Jewish Quarter today covers about 25 acres. It is bordered by the Street of the Chain to the north, by the Armenian Quarter to the west and in the south by the Ottoman city wall.