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This Web site, dedicated to the Old City of Jerusalem, is currently under construction. Please bookmark this site and visit it again soon. |
The Old City of Jerusalem and Its Walls
A large and diverse number of people consider the ancient city of Jerusalem the most holy city in the world. A long, rich history is connected to this city where events central to the traditions of each of the three monotheistic faiths—Islam, Judaism and Christianity—are believed to have taken place. To the Muslims, it is where the prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven. To the Jewish people, it is the site of Abraham's sacrifice. To the Christians, it is where the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ took place. One of the most overpowering aspects of the Old City is the layering of religions and cultures, which have existed, and continue to exist, within its walls. While charged with religious significance and visited by countless pilgrims, Jerusalem has also been ravaged by thirty centuries of warfare and conflict. Throughout the city's tumultuous history, many empires have battled for control of Jerusalem. Among the victors were the Hebrew King David, the Persians, Romans, Muslims, European Crusaders, and the Ottoman Turks. Each new inheritor of the city attempted to construct and shape a new holy capital out of what previously had existed. In order to establish and promote their own religious and cultural identities, the conquerors claimed and rededicated or destroyed the structures of the previous city. The city's religious and political buildings served as symbols of power and domination. Today, Jerusalem contains within its walls the layers of its long history of destruction and creation, strife and survival.
Threats to the Survival of the Old City and Its Walls
Jerusalem's historical buildings and monuments are threatened with destruction not only by the traditional causes of decay, but also by changing economic and social conditions. Persistent social conflict and rivalry further complicate conservation efforts.
While many of the monuments have undergone preservation projects, the Old City still suffers from threats of destruction due to urban development and of deterioration due to lack of funding, maintenance, and management. The city and its monuments also suffer from the disastrous impact of tourism and pollution. Because of its exceptional religious and cultural significance, the Old City must be safeguarded. Threats to any one of its monuments endanger the authenticity and character of the entire city and its heritage. In order to protect the city from further deterioration, the site was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1981. |
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