Israel Day Five Part I: More Old City

So many photos from day five, too many to include in just one blog post! Even though the Old City is just a third of a mile square, you could literally spend days wandering the narrow streets and back alleys and keep bumping into new and interesting things. The Old City is divided into four distinct quarters, the Muslim Quarter, Jewish Quarter, Aremenian Quarter and the Christian Quarter. Each has a very unique identity and flavour that makes it pretty clear when you've crossed from one to another. There is a palatable tension in the air, and you get the strong sense that members of the different quarters tolerate each other.


Entering the Old City via Jaffa Gate




We first stepped into the quiet, early morning streets of the Jewish Quarter long before the tourist throngs would invade and shopkeepers would solicit.




Early riser begins his day. The others in front are just our small group.












First shop open for business


All signage comes in Hebrew, Arabic and English.
























Wooden crosses leaning outside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre










The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is known as the holiest site in the Christian world. It is considered the best candidate for the crucifixion and burial of Christ, mostly based on tradition. Inside this upper chapel is the traditionally held Rock of Calvary, around which the church was built. Beneath the altar is a hole that allows pilgrims to touch the rock, as this pilgrim is doing here.


The Stone of Unction, a limestone slab, that according to tradition marks where Jesus' body was anointed and prepared for burial


Pilgrims touching the Stone of Unction


Lamps hung over the Stone of Unction


Pilgrims queue up to visit the believed tomb of Christ contained in this shrine.




First century tomb traditionally believed to be the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea


Stepping back into the city streets we land in the Muslim Quarter. Jerusalem is waking up and opening for business.
















Hungry?






An interesting, and rather artistic display of trash. I'm pretty sure I saw something like this at the Tate once.