in the middle east

While the modern city of Jerusalem has expanded far in all directions, at the center lay the old city itself, built along a series of hilltops which have been inhabited for some 4,000 years. The shape of the old city today is defined by its tall walls, which date from the mid-1500's when the famous Sultan Suleyman of the Ottoman empire captured the city and fortified it. Over the past few months, Jessica and I have been piecing together the city's "biography" by means of the walls and gates. There are today 8 functioning city gates, and two others that are no longer in use. You can also pay a small entrance fee to gain access to the Ramparts Walk, which takes you along the the parapet of the wall almost all the way around the city. It's a great way to see everything. So, here is a tour of the wall and gates of the old city, starting on the West side, and circling clockwise all the way around. Enjoy. Click Here.