The old city of Jerusalem has been populated for well over three thousand years. During that time it has been ruled by many different people. As the map shows, there are now four quarters: Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Armenian.
The walls of the old city, built in 1538 by Suleiman the Magnificent, contain eleven gates, seven of which are currently open. At the risk of sounding like a tourist guide, I recommend the rampart walk, which provides great views of the old city, as well as areas further afield.
Edit: The map has a mistake that’s very common here. People find it hard to believe that if there’s more than one lion you still say, “Lion Gate.” English!
Miriam Drori, Author 
9 replies on “A-Z Challenge: O is for Old City”
Amazing place. Fabulous. But we didn’t do the rampart walk. Next time we must do that. We’d planned to but ran out of time.
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Israel sounds like fascinating place, and so steeped in history! Shame I can’t visit on my Malaysian passport… 😦
J.C. Martin
A to Z Blogger
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It is a shame. I didn’t know that was the case.
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It’s a silly ruling because Malaysia is a Muslim state, even though only 60% (if that) of the population are Muslims, and the majority of that are liberal ones at that. 😦
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I’m sure Muslims are allowed in.
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Ah, but our passports do not allow us entry into Israel. It’s a Malaysian law that bars us from trying to enter a Jewish state.
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As it states “This passport is valid for all countries except Israel”. 😦
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I see. 😦
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Dung Gate??? How wonderfully poetic and pragmatic that is.
Davidrory.
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