New Book | The Cobblestones of Jerusalem

It has been said that of the 10 measures of beauty God bestowed upon the world, Jerusalem received nine. And of the 10 measures of sorrow the world is afflicted with, Jerusalem’s portion is nine.

The fascinating enclave of Jerusalem, the city of gold, the city of light, is considered the center of the world by the three Abrahamaic religions: Christianity, Islam and Judaisma claim that few disagree with.

Now a new book, The Cobblestones of Jerusalem by journalist Arthur Hagopian, invites readers to delve into the labyrinthine tapestry of its people and read their stories of wonder and mystery, of glory and disaster, of triumph and despair.

Every tile of the cobblestoned alleys of this fascinating city of the prophets, has a tale to tell, intertwining the annals of its fascinating people: the Christians (Armenians, Copts, Ethiopians, Greeks, Syriacs who still speak Aramaic), Moslems and Jews.

In the homes of the myriad of people knitting the fabric of the Old City, one can still hear the language first spoken by Jesus two thousand years ago, as well as languages long considered dead. 

And in the bosom of the quaint Quarter of the Armenians, lives a community who has helped put Jerusalem more squarely on the map, giving it its first printing press and photographic studio.

The Cobblestones of Jerusalem is another window into the enigma that Jerusalem continues to be. On this tiny spot, one of the most contested bits of real estate in the world, live a multitude of people, who share the same elusive dream of peace.

Through the centuries, countless wars have been fought over Jerusalem, thousands of innocent people have been killed, a greater number have suffered loss and deprivation. 

And yet, behind the blood and tears, the sun continues to shine on this city of gold where Penyamin, the gentle village idiot, traipsed through the bombs and bullets, to walk to his giant tree and perched beneath its branches, engage in endless conversation with his man on the moon.

Guest Contributor

Guest Contributor

Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles or press releases written and submitted by members of the community.

1 Comment

  1. The Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem is in jeopardy. The population has dwindled and the patriarchate is reportedly selling off property. Without the right kind of leadership, it will be at risk for slipping into history along with the Armenian communities of Cilicia, Baku, and Egypt.

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