The Arab Neighborhoods in East Jerusalem: The Old City - Abstract

The Old City is divided into four quarters – Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and Armenian – each with its own unique character (the Christian Quarter includes a Muslim population).

The Old City of Jerusalem is less than one km² in area (870,000 m²), is home to 35,000 residents (27,000 Muslims, 5,000 Christians, and 3,000 Jews) with a high housing density (75 people per 1,000 m2 in about 6,200 apartments). About 10 million visitors enter its walls each year, including 4 million
foreign tourists, who flock to it on days of pilgrimage and throughout the peak tourist season (July-December).

About half of the Old City’s land is under private or public Arab ownership. Another 30% is owned by churches,with the remaining 20% under public Jewish ownership.

The walled city has undergone a lengthy restoration process sponsored by the State of Israel, but is still fraught with challenges that must be addressed.

Read the full publication in Hebrew