The Armenians: Behind a Wall of Stone

‌The smallest quarter in the Old City is home to one of the earliest communities in Jerusalem. The Armenian Quarter, which is actually a monastery, has locked within it the story of a people that were one of the first peoples to convert to Christianity. Members of the community have resided in Jerusalem for many generations, preserving their Armenian language, religious traditions, and a strong Armenian identity.

What is a khachkar? Who was James the Lesser and James the Great? What happened during the Armenian genocide and why? We will examine the history of the Armenian community.

Begin at the Armenian cemetery on Mt. Zion, where sits the St. Saviour Church. In this ancient church see large ceramics works by the tile artist David Ohanessian and by the founders of Armenian ceramics in Jerusalem. Tell about the Legion de Orient and about the church building that is not finished. Continue to one of the Armenian ceramics workshops and visit the monument in honor of the Armenian genocide in the courtyard of the clerical seminary. Finish the tour at the courtyard of the cathedral of St. James.

Meeting Point: Zion Gate

Tour includes entry to churches, please dress modestly (no sleeveless shirts or shorts)
Advance registration required | Number of spaces is limited

Photo credit: Yishay Hayardeni