חומת ירושלים העות'מאנית, Ottoman fortification walls in Old City, Jerusalem, Israel.
The walls of the Old City are a stone fortification that extends around the historic center, with towers and eight major gates controlling entry to different areas. They follow the natural terrain and enclose the central quarters with multiple sections and pathways.
A sultan commissioned these walls in the 16th century after the city lacked fortifications for about three centuries. The construction reused foundations and materials from much older defensive structures beneath the surface.
The walls shape how people experience the Old City today, dividing it into distinct quarters while serving as a gathering place and landmark for residents. They mark the boundary between old and new Jerusalem in the everyday life of the city.
An elevated walking path runs along sections of the walls and offers views across the Old City and surrounding areas. Wear sturdy shoes since the surface is uneven and includes steps and steep sections.
Beneath the visible surface lie layers of foundations stretching back four thousand years, making the walk itself a journey through time. The stones rest directly on remains of much earlier defensive structures from ancient periods.
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