Jerusalem's Old City

Jerusalem's Old City, once a symbol of intercommunal harmony, has undergone significant transformation over the past 150 years, evolving into a place predominantly inhabited by outsiders. This shift is attributed to the city's expansion beyond its walls in the 19th century, which led affluent families to leave and poorer migrants, particularly from Hebron, to move in. The study challenges dominant discourses of ethno-religious division, demonstrating that such interpretations are relatively recent and oversimplify the complex, historically changing intercommunal relations in Jerusalem. By analyzing population developments, the research reveals how negative ascriptions about the Old City emerged alongside this demographic shift. It also examines how current social challenges and Israeli occupation politics continue to shape life in the Old City today.

Becker, J. (2025). Jerusalem’s Old City. Everyday Life in the Old City of Jerusalem, 59–94. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003539742-4