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The Metropolitan Jerusalem Master Plan
The Metropolitan Jerusalem Master Plan
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T
he city of Jerusalem and
its surroundings are full of
archeological remains. The
archeological finds uncovered throughout
the city date from the pre-Biblical area
through Biblical times, the Second Temple
Period, the Hellenistic Period, the centuries
of Roman rule, governance by the
Byzantine Empire, the warring Caliphates
and Crusaders, the Mameluke period,
and the Ottoman Empire. There are also
many buildings of deep modern historical
significance including many constructed
during the first years of Zionism, during
the British Mandate, and after the
establishment of the State of Israel.
Some of the archeological sites in
Jerusalem are well-known, the most
famous in the environs of the Old City
and just outside its walls. They include
ancient settlements, facilities, roads,
cemeteries and more. Some of them have
been excavated or are being excavated and
placed on display for visitors to enjoy as
archeological sites while others remain
active holy sites for the different religions.
The Temple Mount, the Western Wall,
Mount Zion, and the Church of the Holy
Sepulture are all examples of numerous
age-old sites that remain places of prayer
and pilgrimage today.
The upkeep and preservation of holy
sites is ensured by both law and by power
of tradition and as a result of their
daily use. These are attractive sites both
because of their historical significance
and their use in the present day. Most
of them are not at risk. They likewise do
not require concerted efforts in order
to attract visitors other than improving
access, developing educational materials
etc. to make them a bit more accessible,
familiar and interesting.
On the other hand, there are small
sites, some of which are not on their
own impressive currently and which
are of less interest to the general
population and laypeople. They could
however be transformed through proper
development, either by the municipality,
private enterprise or by neighborhood
organizations, thus contributing to the
quality of life and education in the
neighborhood. A good example of such
a site, the development of which began
to attract crowds, is Ein Yael. Sites
such as this are to be found all over
the metropolitan Jerusalem area. Since
these sites are protected by law, they
can be neither destroyed nor developed
without authorization of the Antiquities
Authority, and only then, after conducting
a dig, documentation, and publication.
This means that archeological sites –
especially those in Jerusalem – present, on
the one hand, potential for development
of the city, yet, on the other hand, may
actually hinder development.
Proper development
of sites can make
them attractive,
thus contributing
to the quality of life
and education in the
neighborhood. A good
example of a minor
site, the development
of which would
become attractive
to and popular with
visitors, is Ein Yael.
Jerusalem Rebuilt
An example of a neglected
ancient site turned
unique tourist attraction
and historical site. A
grape stomp at the
reconstructed Ein Yael
wine press.
The ancient streets
outside the Old City
walls could become, with
proper development,
tourism and sightseeing
attractions which would
mesh well with the master
development plan for city.
Cafés on Nahalat
HaShiv’ah, 2007.
Jerusalem Rebuilt