Publications
Squaring the Israeli nation: politics, poetics, and performances of dominance in Safra Square, Jerusalem
Safra Square in Jerusalem, designed around the historic British Town Hall and inaugurated in 1993, serves as a representational space that symbolizes Israeli dominance over a 'unified' Jerusalem post-1967 occupation. The square's design and spatial practices—marked by memorials, artifacts, and performative elements—reflect a narrative of political legitimacy through an intertwined mechanism of petrification (immobilizing history) and mundanization (normalizing control). Strategically located near the Green Line and Old City walls, Safra Square's visual and narrative dynamics reinforce Israeli administrative and military authority. The study analyzes these mechanisms to uncover how spatial design constructs dominance while legitimizing political control.
“Lev Ha’ir” Mahane Yehuda and Nahlaot: A Kurdish Neighborhood in the Heart of the City Jerusalem
Kurdish Jewish neighborhoods in Jerusalem, Mahane Yehuda and Nahlaot—collectively known as 'Lev Ha’ir' or 'The Heart of the City'—emerged in the mid-19th century as cultural and historical hubs for Kurdish Jews migrating from Iraq, Turkey, Iran, and Syria. These neighborhoods, established outside Jerusalem’s medieval walls, played a pivotal role in shaping Jewish identity within Israel while reflecting the city's layered religious, social, and political history. Through fieldwork and interviews conducted between 2011 and 2012, this study uncovers the narratives of Kurdish Jews' settlement, their positionality, and the significance of these areas in Jerusalem’s broader narrative. The research contributes to historical anthropology by illuminating the intersection of migration, identity, and urban transformation in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A Late Iron Age Rock-Cut Tomb on the Western Slope of Mount Zion, Jerusalem (Pp. 1–24)
Archaeologists uncovered a First Temple period burial ground on the western slope of Mount Zion, Jerusalem, featuring five rock-cut tombs. Notably, Tomb A was found sealed with its original blocking stone, providing rare insight into burial practices from the seventh century BCE until the Babylonian destruction in 587/6 BCE. This 'bench-tomb' type structure, designed for multiple and simultaneous burials, contained significant artifacts that illuminated the rituals and customs of Jerusalem and Judah during this pivotal period.
Crusader Remains in the Muristan, Old City of Jerusalem: A Decade of Archaeological Gleanings (pp. 137–153)
Archaeological excavations at the Muristan, located in the Christian quarter of Jerusalem's Old City, have uncovered significant Crusader-era remains from the 12th century CE. These include massive piers and ashlars with distinctive diagonal tool marks, along with stones bearing mason's marks, providing crucial evidence for reconstructing the Hospitaller Quarter during this period. The findings, though limited, offer valuable insights into the architectural and organizational structures of the area under the Hospitaller Order of St. John, which included a hospital, ecclesiastical buildings, and secular structures.
Everyday Life in the Old City of Jerusalem
A groundbreaking exploration of the Old City of Jerusalem reveals how individuals and communities navigate complex realities of emplacement, challenging dominant narratives focused on political and religious significance. The study combines biographical narratives with spatial sociology to uncover diverse experiences of belonging, exclusion, and adaptation, tracing socio-political transformations since 1948. It highlights the intricate interplay between personal life stories, urban space, family ties, political occupation, religious identity, and social hierarchies, offering a nuanced account of daily life under occupation and intercommunal tension.
Excavations in the Mamillah Area, Jerusalem: The Medieval Fortifications (pp. 125–152)
Recent excavations in the Mamillah Area, northwest of Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem's Old City, uncovered a medieval fortification line, including a wall and tower, constructed outside and parallel to the city's existing defenses. The structure featured a rock-cut lower section and an upper part built with stone set in grayish mortar, preserved only in its eastern segment. Archaeological findings, such as pottery from the Roman-Byzantine periods and the 12th–early 13th centuries CE, along with mason’s marks, coins, architectural fragments, and fresco remnants depicting religious motifs, suggest a post-Crusader origin and pre-Mamluk destruction. The fortification's dating was determined through stratigraphic analysis and artifact study, revealing its strategic significance during a transitional period in Jerusalem's history.
Graffiti and Other Evidence of Bulgarian Pilgrimage to Jerusalem in the Ottoman Period: A Photographic Survey
A groundbreaking photographic survey reveals the long-standing presence of Bulgarian pilgrims in Jerusalem's Greek Orthodox monasteries during the Ottoman period, spanning over 500 years. By employing advanced multispectral and RTI imaging techniques, researchers uncovered previously hidden graffiti inscriptions that not only document the pilgrimage routes but also identify specific individuals and their origins. This method allowed for a reconstruction of Bulgarian pilgrimage patterns, enriching our understanding of historical religious travel in the region.
Israeli Policy to Control the Old City of Jerusalem
Israeli policies in the Old City of Jerusalem constitute a systematic effort to assert control, alter its demographic and urban character, and erase its Palestinian identity. These measures, including settlement expansion, Judaization, forced displacement, property seizures, and cultural erasure through excavations and renaming of sites, violate international humanitarian law. The study highlights key laws like the Absentees’ Property Law and the Planning and Building Law, which facilitate settler privileges while denying Palestinians basic rights such as building permits. Field examples, including policies affecting Al-Aqsa Mosque, underscore a deliberate plan to empty the city of its Palestinian population. Recommendations include international legal action, diplomatic support for residents, and systematic documentation of violations.
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.
Manasseh’s Wall and Construction Operations on the Western Slope of the Southeastern Hill of Jerusalem
A massive terrace wall, long assumed to be part of Jerusalem's ancient fortifications, has been reinterpreted as the work of King Manasseh (2 Chron 33:14). Research suggests that this structure was built to stabilize the western slope of the Southeastern Hill after Hezekiah rerouted Jerusalem's water supply, enabling new construction on terraced land. The study argues that Nehemiah later repurposed these terraces as a defensive wall, leading the Chronicler to anachronistically describe Manasseh’s terrace as a city wall based on its later function. This finding sheds light on Jerusalem’s urban development and the evolution of its fortifications over centuries.
Remains from the Late Byzantine, Early Islamic, Mamluk and Late Ottoman Periods in Ẓahal Square Tunnel, Jerusalem (pp. 193–210)
Excavations at Ẓahal Square, Jerusalem, have uncovered critical remains that trace the city's urban expansion and fortification systems from the late Byzantine–Umayyad period to the late Ottoman era. Among the discoveries is a rare Greek inscription etched in bedrock, providing direct evidence of Jerusalem's development during this transitional period. The excavation also revealed hewn walls of a deep moat and remnants of a forewall, offering unprecedented insights into the city's early Islamic fortifications along its northwestern corner. These structures were part of a broader defensive system that fell into disuse following destruction by the Ayyubid Sultan al-Malik al-Mu‘azzam ‘Isa in the 13th century CE. The findings reconstruct Jerusalem's evolving urban landscape and military architecture, contributing significantly to our understanding of its historical layers.
A Unique Crusader-Period Lead Seal from the Old City of Jerusalem
A rare lead seal from the Crusader period, depicting the Byzantine Patriarch of Jerusalem Leontios II (1176–1184/85), has been discovered in a salvage excavation within Jerusalem’s Old City. This is the first known seal of this patriarch, providing concrete evidence that he resided in the Kingdom of Jerusalem between 1177 and 1178. The find also offers new insights into the Byzantine emperor Manuel I Komnenos’ efforts to retain influence over the ruling dynasty in Jerusalem during a pivotal period of Crusader-Byzantine relations.
Jerusalem, Machaerus, and Masada in AD 70, 72, and 73: Comparative Analysis of the Three Subsequent Roman Circumvallation Siege Walls in the Lights of the Archaeological Evidence and the Narrative Accounts of Flavius Josephus
A groundbreaking reconstruction of the Roman siege wall around Jerusalem, built during the AD 70 campaign by Titus, has been achieved using archaeological evidence and digital mapping. The study confirms Josephus' account of a 39-stadia (7215-meter) circumvallation wall, positioned at least two stadia from the city walls, and identifies 13 military garrisons along its length. By comparing this to the siege walls of Machaerus and Masada, built in AD 72–73 by the same legion, researchers validated the Jerusalem structure's design and strategic layout. High-precision GPS and GIS measurements (accurate to 10 cm) mapped the former siege line, providing a rare archaeological correlation with historical narrative.
Leadership of Kindergarten Teachers in the Old City of Jerusalem
Kindergarten teachers in the Old City of Jerusalem (OCJ) employ unique leadership strategies to foster resilience and security among preschool students during periods of acute tension, particularly before and after the Iron Swords War. A thematic analysis reveals distinct approaches in managing discussions about security threats, balancing mature discourse among staff with age-appropriate, selective conversations tailored for young children. This study highlights how teachers adapt controversial content to align with children's cognitive processing capacities, offering practical insights grounded in social cognitive theory. Such findings provide valuable guidance for educators navigating similar challenges globally.
Non-violent confrontation through world heritage
A new potential for non-violent conflict resolution emerges through UNESCO World Heritage designation, as evidenced by the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls. Since 1982, when the site was inscribed, direct violent conflicts between Israel and Jordan (since 1970) and Israel and the Palestinian Authority (since 2005) have ceased, coinciding with heightened UNESCO heritage activities. This suggests that heritage conservation mechanisms may play a role in sustaining peace, challenging the traditional narrative of heritage as a tool for sovereignty disputes. The study examines this paradox, tracing historical shifts from the Ottoman and British-era 'Status Quo'—a delicate balance to preserve religious sites—to modern UNESCO interventions, which have both complicated and potentially stabilized regional tensions.
Holy green: silwan, design knowledge, and the 1967 making of Jerusalem's Old City Walls National Park
A pivotal moment in the shaping of Jerusalem's Old City Walls National Park occurred within six weeks after the 1967 war, when Israeli landscape architects repurposed a British colonial green belt plan using North American environmentalist ideas. This blueprint, crucial to the 'holy basin's' spatial logic and legal structures, remains foundational to contemporary urban dynamics in Silwan, a Palestinian neighborhood at the heart of Jerusalem. The study highlights the significance of long-term perspectives in understanding current urban realities, bridging scholarship on present-day urbanism with historical studies of planning and cities.
Jerusalem, Wilson’s Arch
A salvage excavation at Wilson’s Arch within the Western Wall tunnels of Jerusalem's Old City uncovered significant archaeological insights, shedding light on the site's historical layers. Conducted between June 2019 and December 2020, this research built upon previous excavations, utilizing stratigraphy, pottery analysis, and radiocarbon dating to reconstruct the area's past. The study was a collaborative effort involving experts from the Israel Antiquities Authority, with support from the Western Wall Heritage Foundation. Key findings include detailed stratigraphic sequences and artifact analysis, contributing to the understanding of Jerusalem’s complex history.
Jerusalem: History of a Global City
Jerusalem's history as a global city reveals deep-rooted urban and political divisions that persist despite its reunification. The study, led by Vincent Lemire and colleagues, analyzes Jerusalem's millennial narrative through meticulous historical and geographic methods, focusing on moments of renewal rather than erasure. It identifies two potential solutions for future urban planning: a top-down global political approach or a bottom-up reorientation of local rules. The research underscores the need for a singular political model to address the city's status as a universal holy site and capital of two states, with civil society organizations seen as key players in fostering a shared future.
Machine-Learning-Enhanced Procedural Modeling for 4D Historical Cities Reconstruction
A novel framework integrating procedural modeling and machine learning within GIS enables the generation of detailed 3D models for historical cities, addressing gaps in incomplete datasets. This approach, demonstrated using footprints of Jerusalem's Old City (1840–1940), produces LOD 2.1 models directly from GIS files while ensuring interoperability through CityJSON format. The open-source Python module streamlines the process, eliminating reliance on specialized software and supporting dynamic updates with new data. This methodology significantly enhances accessibility, accuracy, and usability of historical city reconstructions for documentation and educational purposes.
The Southern Wall of the Temple Mount and Its Corners
A groundbreaking analysis of the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount reveals new insights into ancient engineering and conservation challenges. The study presents intriguing theories about an ancient ramp used for herding sacrificial animals, along with a fresh interpretation of a biblical graffito from Isaiah 66:14. Conducted as part of the Ancient Jerusalem Publication series, this research combines final reports from three excavations near the wall and one beneath Robinson’s Arch, alongside extensive ground-penetrating radar examinations. Additionally, it addresses critical conservation efforts aimed at mitigating stone deterioration in the Western Wall, offering potential solutions to preserve these historic structures for future generations.
Turkey and the Palestinian and Jerusalem issues
Turkey's stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, particularly regarding Jerusalem, has been characterized by a consistent preference for a two-state solution and opposition to Israeli control of the Old City of Jerusalem. This position has intensified since the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, with Turkey emerging as a vocal advocate for Palestinians, especially those in Gaza under Hamas rule. While Turkey has sought to mend relations with Israel due to economic challenges, the 2023 Israel-Hamas War has strained these efforts politically. The study highlights Turkey's complex diplomatic balancing act, influenced by security concerns and domestic political dynamics, particularly the sympathy among Turks for Palestinian causes since the 1970s.
A city yet to come a story of Arab Jerusalem 1948–1967
Arab Jerusalem (1948–1967) emerged as a unique polity of 'in-betweenness,' balancing refugee identity with urban revival efforts despite partition and loss. The study reveals how Palestinian residents, local institutions, and Jordanian rule shaped its development, particularly through the municipality's resilience after losing key resources to Israel in 1948. Using archival records from Palestine, Israel, the UK, and Jerusalem’s municipal archives, it documents urban dynamics rarely explored in Nakba narratives, offering a nuanced perspective on post-1948 communal adaptation.
A New Horizon in an Old City: Amin Shunnar, al-Ufuq al-Jadid Magazine, and the Intellectual History of 1960s Jerusalem
Al-Ufuq al-Jadid, a Jerusalemite cultural and literary magazine published from 1961 to 1966 under the editorship of Palestinian poet Amin Shunnar, offers a unique lens into the intellectual and cultural life of Jordanian-ruled Jerusalem during the 1960s. The magazine, with its focus on Palestine as a central theme, provides valuable insights into the creative and intellectual responses to the 1948 Nakba, reflecting the complex cultural landscape of the city on the eve of Israeli occupation. This study analyzes the contents of al-Ufuq al-Jadid and Shunnar's writings to reconstruct this period, contributing significantly to our understanding of Jerusalem's intellectual history during a pivotal decade.
A New Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem? The Construction of the Nea Church (531–543) by Emperor Justinian
Emperor Justinian's construction of the Nea Church (531–543) in Jerusalem, as described by Procopius and Cyril of Scythopolis, may have symbolically positioned it as a typological successor to the Jewish Temple. Archaeological evidence from excavations led by Nahman Avigad supports this theory, suggesting Justinian intended the Nea not only as a new Church of Mary but also as a reimagining of Solomon's Temple. This study compares contemporary literary sources with archaeological findings to explore Justinian's theological and symbolic intentions, contributing to the understanding of his building activities in the Holy Land.
Empires of Antiquities: Modernity and Discovery of the Ancient Near East, 1914–1950
Billie Melman's 'Empires of Antiquities' reveals how British imperial policies intertwined with antiquities management during the Mandate era (1914–1950), shaping the modern understanding and governance of ancient heritage in Palestine, Mesopotamia, and Egypt. The study highlights that antiquities served as a tool for internationalizing cultural patrimony under mandate systems, blending colonial agendas with local political aspirations. Melman's analysis demonstrates how archaeological practices, legal frameworks, and urban planning were used to legitimize imperial control while fostering a discourse of 'civilizational salvage.' The research employs archival documentation, legal texts, and case studies—such as biblical archaeology in Jerusalem and Mesopotamian urbanism—to critique the narrative of Western dominance in heritage conservation. It also expands the historical actors in archaeology, including women and local laborers, challenging traditional narratives of discovery.
From ‘King Heraclius, Faithful in Christ’ to ‘Allenby of Armageddon’: Christian Reconquistadores Enter the Holy City
A century after General Edmund Allenby's British forces entered Jerusalem, marking the end of 400 years of Ottoman rule, a ceremonial reenactment on December 11, 2017, highlighted the city's enduring significance as both a religious and geopolitical landmark. The event, attended by dignitaries including Mayor Nir Barkat and Allenby's great-grandnephew, underscored Jerusalem's layered history, from biblical conquerors like King David to modern conflicts. The study examines how such ceremonies reflect the city's mythological and historical narratives, blending martial declarations with cultural symbolism. It also notes the timing of U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, adding a contemporary dimension to this long-standing site.
From Damascus Gate to Shaikh Jarrah: The Palestinian Sovereignty Protests in East Jerusalem
The May 2021 Palestinian protests in Shaikh Jarrah and Damascus Gate, East Jerusalem, represent a significant shift in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These demonstrations are linked to Israel's policy of expelling Palestinians from strategic borderland zones, particularly focusing on controlling the geopolitically vital Shaikh Jarrah neighborhood. This control challenges the historical presence of diplomatic missions and international organizations in the region. The protests highlight a unique manifestation of the ongoing struggle for sovereignty over East Jerusalem and its borderlands, as revealed through ongoing research and interviews.
Jerusalem, the Old City, Dar el-Consul
A salvage excavation at the Dar el-Consul complex in Jerusalem's Old City uncovered significant archaeological remains, shedding light on the site's historical layers. Conducted in April–May 2017 following construction work, the excavation revealed insights into the area's past, with contributions from a multidisciplinary team including archaeologists, surveyors, pottery experts, and digital documentation specialists. The findings, supported by the Israel Antiquities Authority and funded by the Franciscan Custodia Terrae Sanctae, provide valuable data for understanding Jerusalem's complex history.
The Five Transformations of Dung Gate – Bab al-Maghariba in Jerusalem
Dung Gate (Bab al-Maghariba) in Jerusalem's Old City has undergone five distinct transformations, documented through a combination of historical photographs and maps. This study reconstructs the gate's evolution over time, offering insights into its architectural changes and cultural significance. By analyzing available visual records, researcher Jean-Michel de Tarragon provides a unique photo essay that deciphers the gate's shifting appearance, contributing to our understanding of Jerusalem's urban history. The findings highlight the gate's dynamic nature, contrasting with its often-overlooked status in contemporary documentation.
Adapting Modernity: Designing with Modern Architecture in East Jerusalem, 1948–1967
Residential buildings constructed during Jordanian rule (1948–1967) in East Jerusalem represent a unique blend of modernity and vernacular traditions. Unlike Western modernity, these structures adapted to Palestinian socio-cultural lifestyles while incorporating modern architectural elements. Peasants played a significant role in shaping this adaptive modernity, influenced by local cultural determinants. The study, based on architectural documentation and ethnographic research, highlights a neglected heritage that challenges conventional narratives of modern architecture, emphasizing the contributions of non-professionals.
Ancient Spring Tunnels of Jerusalem, Israel: Physical, Spatial, and Human Aspects
A comprehensive analysis of ancient spring tunnels in the Jerusalem Hills reveals significant spatial and hydrological patterns, particularly their accessibility to the Old City of Jerusalem. The study, which examined 130 springs—70 with tunnels and 60 without—highlighted a strong correlation between karstic aquifers overlying the Moza geological formation and the development of these tunnels during Iron Age II (8th century BCE). These findings underscore the strategic importance of Jerusalem’s eastern hinterland, aligning with its rich archaeological record. The research employed statistical analysis of 21 parameters across three categories: geological-geomorphological, physical-hydrological, and spatial, providing new insights into the role of spring tunnels in ancient agricultural systems and settlement establishment.
Appendix: Late Ottoman Ceramics from the Ethiopian Monastery in the Old City of Jerusalem
A trial excavation at the Ethiopian Monastery in Jerusalem's Christian Quarter uncovered late Ottoman-era ceramics, offering valuable insights into the material culture of the region during this period. The study, conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority in 2017, employed a multidisciplinary approach involving pottery analysis, photogrammetry, and studio photography to document and analyze the findings. These ceramics provide tangible evidence of the Ethiopian community's presence and cultural practices in Jerusalem during the late Ottoman era.
Appendix: The Pottery and Stone Finds from the Muslim Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem
Archaeological excavations at 5 Ha-Degel Street in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City revealed significant pottery and stone artifacts, shedding light on the area's historical layers. Conducted in May 2017 by the Israel Antiquities Authority with Franciscan Custodia de Terra Sancta funding, the trial excavation uncovered remnants dating back to different periods, providing insights into the region's past. The study employed advanced techniques such as photogrammetry and detailed pottery analysis, led by I. Taxel, with contributions from a multidisciplinary team of experts in pottery, glass, metallurgy, numismatics, and photography. These findings enrich our understanding of Jerusalem's complex history and its cultural evolution.
Jerusalem Planning and Land Conquest in the Shadow of COVID-19
A study reveals that four Israeli planning schemes in Jerusalem, advanced during the COVID-19 pandemic, pose significant threats to Palestinian communities through land confiscation and displacement. These schemes aim to expand settlements like Atarot by 11,000 units, redevelop East Jerusalem's commercial district, introduce a hi-tech complex in Wadi al-Jawz, and displace the al-Jahalin Bedouin community to a garbage dump. The research highlights how these projects, often backed by Emirati investments, undermine Palestinian infrastructure, businesses, and living conditions, while advancing Israeli settlement expansion under the guise of urban development.
Jerusalem, the Old City, Western Wall Plaza
A significant archaeological excavation and conservation effort at the Western Wall Plaza in Jerusalem's Old City revealed new insights into the site's complex history. Conducted between 2016 and 2017, the work uncovered evidence from multiple periods, including Roman and Byzantine pottery, Iron Age seal impressions, and legionary stamps. The excavation, supervised by S. Weksler-Bdolah, was part of a broader effort to preserve the area before the installation of concrete pillars, funded by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation. The study involved a multidisciplinary team, including experts in metallurgy, pottery analysis, numismatics, and digital documentation, providing a comprehensive understanding of the site's stratigraphy and cultural layers.
Jerusalem: The Shepherdess
This reflective journey through Jerusalem's Old City reveals the city as a dynamic symbol of humanity, blending its rich history with contemporary struggles. The author personifies Jerusalem as a 'Shepherdess,' guiding visitors toward self-discovery and introspection amidst the city's layered narratives—religious, cultural, and political. Through vivid imagery and narrative, the text captures the essence of Jerusalem's mosaic of quarters (Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Armenian) and its enduring legacy, from ancient bazaars to modern conflicts. The work contrasts Jerusalem’s divine beauty with the harsh realities of war, injustice, and displacement, offering a poetic yet profound meditation on humanity’s relationship with this sacred city. Methodologically, it employs introspective travel writing, blending personal experience with historical and cultural observation.
Petitioning the Waqf Cases: Conflict over the Abū Madyan Waqf, Old City of Jerusalem, at the Beginning of the Twentieth Century
A study of twenty-two petitions from the Ottoman Imperial Archives reveals how supervisors and local authorities exploited the Abū Madyan waqf in early 20th-century Jerusalem, leading to its gradual disintegration. The analysis highlights systemic mismanagement, embezzlement, and violations of waqf conditions, while also mapping the complex networks between Maghribī residents, mutawallīs, qāḍīs, and Ottoman officials that facilitated property confiscations for personal or collective gain.
Tariq Bab al-Silsila: A Portrait of an Old City Suq
Tariq Bab al-Silsila, a historic commercial and residential street in the Old City of Jerusalem, stands as a testament to the city's architectural and cultural evolution over seven centuries. This study reveals that the street, primarily dating back to the Mamluk (1260-1516) and Crusader (1099-1189) periods, serves as an open-air museum of historical buildings, showcasing intricate facades that reflect Jerusalem's rich past. Beyond its architectural significance, the street encapsulates the city's dynamic cultural life, blending commerce, industry, pilgrimage, charitable foundations, and education. Despite its resilience since 1967, it continues to face existential threats as a suq (marketplace), highlighting its ongoing struggle for preservation.
The Language of Jewish Nationalism: Street Signs and Linguistic Landscape in the Old City of Jerusalem
A dominant Hebrew presence in street signage throughout the Old City of Jerusalem reflects Israeli nationalistic discourse and colonial-era de-politicization. Research analyzing over 300 signs across five areas—Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Armenian quarters, and al-Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount—revealed two key patterns: Hebrew erasure of Palestinian identity in the Jewish quarter while other regions lack national Palestinian content, reinforcing an exclusive Israeli Jewish identity. The study also identified Orientalist, British-influenced colonial tendencies aimed at depoliticizing the East. This linguistic landscape analysis underscores how signage serves as a tool for power assertion and historical narrative control.
Appendix: The Glass Finds from the New Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem
A salvage excavation near the New Gate in Jerusalem's Old City uncovered significant glass artifacts, providing new insights into the material culture of ancient Jerusalem. Conducted in August 2017 prior to infrastructure work, the excavation was directed by R. Avner and involved a multidisciplinary team from the Israel Antiquities Authority. The study, led by N. Katsnelson, focused on analyzing glass finds, contributing to the understanding of trade, craftsmanship, and daily life in the region during historical periods. The research utilized advanced documentation techniques, including digital recording and studio photography, ensuring precise analysis of the artifacts.
Confession-inscription from Jerusalem?
A previously overlooked Hellenistic inscription on a limestone stele from Jerusalem, republished by Eran Lupu, reveals significant insights into pagan religious practices in the region. The inscription, discovered during excavations in an Arab house's cellar in the Old City of Jerusalem, includes a confession likely related to rituals performed at a sacred site. Despite its fragmented state—preserving only 11 incomplete lines—the text provides evidence of vow-fulfillment ceremonies and critiques of priests' conduct, offering rare glimpses into non-Judaic or non-Christian religious traditions in ancient Jerusalem. The stele's careful craftsmanship and early-looking script further underscore its historical importance.
Jews in Seventh-Century Palestine
A first visit to Jerusalem's Old City offers profound insights into the city's layered history, particularly during the seventh century AD. The study highlights significant transformations, including the Persian capture of Jerusalem in 614 AD and its subsequent surrender to the Arabs, marking dramatic shifts in power and cultural identity. These events are contextualized against the backdrop of earlier Christian developments, such as Constantine's establishment of Jerusalem as a central place of worship in the 320s AD. The research emphasizes the enduring impact of these historical moments on the urban landscape, drawing parallels with post-1967 building works. Methodologically, the study combines historical analysis with archaeological observations, particularly focusing on the Wailing Wall and the Umayyad Bayt al-Maqdis, to reconstruct the city's evolution during this pivotal period.
Linguistic landscape
A comprehensive analysis of the linguistic landscape in Jerusalem's Old City reveals that public signage, while providing insights into literacy and sociolinguistic dynamics, often lacks detailed authorship information. The study highlights a gap in theoretical frameworks for interpreting signs, suggesting that semiotics could offer a robust approach. Researchers collected extensive photographic data using digital cameras and cell phones, documenting signs encountered by francophone high school students. This work underscores the need to integrate both written and spoken language in the study of linguistic landscapes, bridging historical and contemporary perspectives.
On the Raw Materials in the Ceramic Workshops of Jerusalem, Before and After 70 c.e.
A significant shift in ceramic production techniques and raw materials occurred in Jerusalem's pottery workshops following the city's destruction in 70 c.e. Petrographic analysis of 129 ceramics revealed that post-70 c.e., Jewish potters introduced new vessel types (e.g., dolia, mortaria) and building materials (roof tiles, bricks), using a distinct geological unit and intentionally adding quartz grains to enhance product toughness. This change likely reflects the workshops' transition under Roman military control, offering insights into their evolving production methods and potential links to other regional sites.
Women of, for, and at the Wall: A Performative Analysis of Gender Politics at the Western Wall in Jerusalem
A performative analysis reveals how the Women of the Wall (WoW) and Women for the Wall (W4W) challenge and contest gendered religious practices at the Western Wall, using bodily performances to assert agency and critique traditional norms. The study highlights the impact of surveillance, media, and opposition on WoW's practices, demonstrating how their actions both challenge orthodox standards and expose the complexities of liberal agency in cultural and religious contexts.
A Brief History of Jerusalem: From the Earliest Settlement to the Destruction of the City in AD 70
Jerusalem's archaeological history, from its earliest settlement to the Roman destruction in AD 70, remains largely unexplored due to continuous habitation and dense urbanization. A recent study by Klaus Bieberstein synthesizes existing data, highlighting significant gaps and challenges in excavation efforts, particularly in matching radiocarbon dating with archaeological finds. While early excavations (1960s–80s) provided preliminary insights, many findings remain unpublished or require reevaluation. The study emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to historical texts, noting that biblical narratives contrast with more straightforward interpretations of Josephus and the Maccabees books. Despite limitations, this work offers a foundational overview, serving as a springboard for future research.
Israeli Jerusalem
Following the 1948 war, Jerusalem was divided between Israel and Jordan, with East Jerusalem, including the Old City, under Jordanian control. This division left Jewish Jerusalem yearning for the Old City and Western Wall, while Palestinians in Jordanian Jerusalem felt their city was incomplete without the lost neighborhoods in West Jerusalem. The 1967 war dramatically altered the city's landscape under Israel's occupation of East Jerusalem and the West Bank, leading to significant changes that reshaped the city's geopolitical and cultural dynamics.
Toward Decolonization in Tourism: Engaged Tourism and the Jerusalem Tourism Cluster
Tourism in Jerusalem, particularly through the lens of the Old City, serves as a tool that perpetuates colonial narratives and power imbalances between Israelis and Palestinians. This study highlights how different tour guides—one Israeli and one Palestinian—present contrasting narratives about the city's religious and political landscape, revealing the embedded colonial dynamics in tourism practices. The research demonstrates that tourism normalizes dominant, often Orientalist, narratives while erasing Palestinian perspectives, thereby reinforcing colonial structures. By comparing two distinct tours, the study exposes how power relations shape historical and contemporary perceptions of Jerusalem, suggesting that engaged tourism can challenge and decolonize these narratives.
Earthquake Damage and Repair: New Evidence from Jerusalem on the 1927 Jericho Earthquake
A field survey in Jerusalem's Old City uncovered numerous iron anchors used to stabilize earthquake-damaged structures following the 1927 Jericho earthquake, revealing a previously undocumented repair technique. These anchors, classified into six types and found on pre-twentieth-century walls, were part of a strategy implemented by the British Mandate to reinforce weakened buildings. The study maps their locations, characterizes their host structures, and provides new evidence of the earthquake's impact on Jerusalem, located 30 km from the epicenter near the Dead Sea.
New Discoveries from Excavations inside Jaffa Gate of Old City Jerusalem
Recent excavations near Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem's Old City have uncovered significant ancient architectural features, including a segment of the Byzantine-era upper aqueduct integrated into the city wall and a section of the Decumanus, the main east-west street. A spacious building from the Ayyubid and Mamluk periods, possibly part of the western gate structure, was also discovered above these ruins. Additionally, the outer walls of the Tower of David’s Citadel moat were exposed, revealing its evolution from the medieval period to the 12th century. Among the finds were remnants of a city wall demolished before Kaiser Wilhelm II's 1898 visit and modern structures from Jordanian rule. These discoveries provide new insights into Jerusalem's urban development, water supply systems, and road networks during the Second Temple, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
Remaking the City: Archaeological Projects of Political Import in Jerusalem's Old City and in the Village of Silwan
Archaeological excavations in Jerusalem's Old City and the village of Silwan serve as powerful tools for political narrative shaping, directly influencing land control and historical interpretation. These projects, such as the Givati Parking Lot site planned to become the 'Kedem Center,' aim to connect key Israeli heritage sites like the 'City of David' archaeological park and the Western Wall plaza through underground tunnels. This approach alters the landscape and perception of the area, often sidelining the present-day Palestinian Muslim reality in favor of a narrative rooted in ancient periods significant to Israeli identity. Recent excavations have exposed ancient underground complexes, offering visitors an imagined historical experience that reinforces specific political and cultural claims.
The making of Jerusalem's ‘Holy Basin’
Jerusalem's 'Holy Basin,' a geographical zone encompassing the historic Old City and containing sites sacred to Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, has been significantly shaped by Western conservation practices and Romantic landscape perceptions introduced during the 19th century. This study reveals how these imperialist influences, first implemented by the British, have not only altered Jerusalem's urban fabric but also redefined its historic parts' role in modern planning. While the Holy Basin is now central to contemporary political discussions and conflict narratives, this research focuses on its historical development, highlighting the profound impact of Western conservation practices on the city's understanding and integration.
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