“Maps of Jerusalem show the Old City divided into four: top left Christian Quarter, top right Muslim Quarter, bottom left Armenian Quarter and bottom center Jewish Quarter. Such neat divisions. Nearly all modern maps do this. Many are even color coded, with blocks of shading for each quarter and precise borders marking frontiers from one quarter to the next. But it’s no surprise to learn that in reality no city functions like this. The busiest of Jerusalem’s lanes is Suq Khan al-Zeit. ...”
Following its introduction by Williams in 1849, the idea of “four quarters” took hold in outsiders’ imaginations, and it became a standard feature of maps of the city up to our own time, including this poster-size illustrated map for sale in the city to tourists.
No comments:
Post a Comment