- Address: Old City, Jerusalem, Israel;
- Area: 0,126 km ²;
- Sightseeing: Armenian Cathedral, Armenian Monastery, Monastery of the Holy Archangels, Manuscript Store, Tower of David.
Historically, Jerusalem is divided into four quarters, the smallest, of which the Armenian is. It occupies only 14% (0.126 km ²) of the entire Old Town . The Armenian quarter is located between the tower of David and Mount Sion , in the southwestern part of Jerusalem. There is an opinion that once in its place was the palace of King Herod the Great.
The western and southern border of the quarter passes through the walls of the Old City, and the northern one is the limit of the Christian quarter. From the Hebrew it is separated by the Chabad street. At first glance it seems that from all quarters the Armenian is less accessible for visiting. On the one hand, it's true - tourists are allowed twice a day to the territory of the monasteries. On the other hand, Armenians are distinguished by friendliness and actively participate in the life of the Old City.
From the history of the quarter
The first settlers in Jerusalem appeared presumably at the end of the IV century. After the adoption of Christianity, Armenian churches and monastic communities began to appear in Ancient Armenia in Jerusalem. Therefore, the quarter is considered the oldest of all. By the middle of the fifth century, the Armenian scriptorium operated in the city.
In the Byzantine period, the community was waited for by shocks due to the refusal to recognize the dual system of Christ, resulting in the formation of the Armenian Gregorian Church, which first recognized the authority of Caliph Omar ibn Khattab. The Armenian community also managed to find a common language with the Turks in the period when they conquered Jerusalem. After the war for the Independence of Israel, the same happened with the new government. At the present time, members of the Armenian community are artists, photographers, craftsmen of pottery and silver affairs.
Armenian quarter for tourists
What is famous for this Armenian quarter in Israel, so it is a unique atmosphere of antiquity. Originality, color of the Armenian people are represented in every pebble street. Among the attractions worth seeing are:
- The building of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem ;
- Church of St. Archangels ;
- Church of St. Thoros ;
- The repository of manuscripts ;
- The Tower of David .
On this list of interesting places does not end there. The Armenian Cathedral is considered the most beautiful temple in Jerusalem. During the visit to the quarter, you should definitely look to craftsmen. Here you can find original souvenirs that are not sold in ordinary shops.
An interesting fact is that during the laying of the foundation a unique mosaic fragment was found, on which images of twenty bird species are compiled, and also there is an inscription in Armenian: "In memory and for the redemption of all Armenians whose names are known to God."
The main souvenir, which must necessarily be brought from the trip, are ceramic products made using special technology: jugs, plates and trays with bright ornaments.
You can learn about the history and culture of the Armenian people in Israel by visiting the Mardigian Museum. Having worked up an appetite, you should visit a shish kebab tavern, which is easy to find on the delicious smell. Restaurants also offer other fragrant dishes, good cognac to them. Institutions are interesting not only because of the menu, but also the interior.
Everything here is so fabulous that it is difficult to imagine how very close to the modern city. Glory to the Armenian quarter also brought two libraries - the Patriarchate and Kalyust Gulbekyan. Tourists rush to visit the Cathedral of St. James, there is an opinion that the head of the apostle James the Elder is buried and James the Younger is buried. Here you can see special tools made of wood. They were beaten, calling believers to pray when the territory was under Muslim control. This is due to the fact that in those days it was forbidden to beat the bells.
How to get there?
There are two ways to get to the Armenian quarter - through the Jaffa and Sion gates. Find them will not be difficult, being in the Old City .