Why is there an Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem?
So why do the Armenians have a quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem along with Christians, Muslims, and Jews? Armenians have had a strong presence in the city since at least the fourth century, when Armenia became Christian. Their quarter is said to be the oldest living Armenia diaspora community.
Who lives in the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem?
* Some 2,000 or so Armenian Christians live in Jerusalem, mostly in the Armenian Quarter of the Old City; under borders drawn by Ottoman rulers, it is the smallest of the quarters; the others are Muslim, Jewish and Christian. It covers about one sixth of the square kilometre (230 acres) inside the city walls.
Are there Armenians in Jerusalem?
Armenians have lived in Jerusalem since the 4th century. An Armenian Orthodox priest stands near the doorway of the St James convent. Armenian Orthodox priests hold a mass in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
How many Armenians are in Jerusalem?
Demographics. In 1986, it was estimated that 1,500 Armenians lived in the city of Jerusalem. According to a 2006 survey, 790 Armenians lived in Jerusalem’s Old City. In 2015, the Times of Israel published an article, with an estimate of up to 10,000 Armenians living across Israel.
How many Armenians are in Israel?
There are currently 10,000 Armenians living in Israel. Armenians mainly live in Jerusalem, as well as in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Petah Tikva, Ashdod, and elsewhere. There are also Armenians in the West Bank, particularly in Bethlehem.
When did Armenians arrive in Jerusalem?
4th century AD
The Armenian presence in Jerusalem dates back to the 4th century AD, when Armenia adopted Christianity as a national religion and Armenian monks settled in Jerusalem. Hence, it is considered the oldest living diaspora community outside the Armenian homeland.
How long have Armenians been in Israel?
The Armenian community in Israel is estimated to be about 5,000 to 6,000-strong. Widely believed to be the oldest diaspora in the world, the community has had a presence in Jerusalem at least since the fourth century, after Armenia accepted Christianity.
Does Armenia recognize Israel?
Israel and Armenia have maintained diplomatic relations since the latter’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The Armenian diplomatic mission to Israel was located in Georgia from 1993 to 2007, although Tsolak Momjian was appointed honorary consul of Armenia in Jerusalem in 1996.
