New Gate — Attraction in Jerusalem

An important visit to understand the political dynamics during the 19th century. The New gate was built by the Ottomans in 1889, at the request of Christian priests and following a pressure originated by the French ambassador in Istanbul. The request was to allow for easier access between the Catholic institutions inside the walls and French Catholic institutions outside the walls such as the Saint-Louis Hospital, which was established in1851 and the hostel Notre Dame, both part of the French compound outside the walls.

It sounds a simple and logical request, yet behind it, was a power struggle between several European powers. The European infiltration into the Ottoman Empire territory in the 19th century, especially in the Land of Israel, reflected a struggle between the various European powers over prestige, influence and land outposts. The special nature of the Land of Israel as the Holy Land, and the special attention it created among Christian believers for their various sects, has pushed the superpowers to advance their interests in the land of Israel and especially in Jerusalem, through different religious related activities such as assisting as much as possible pilgrimage from their countries to the Holy Land. This led to a situation where each of the superpowers sponsored a different Christian...

Jerusalem New Gate The New Gate is the youngest of the Old City’s entrances, yet it serves a unique and vital role in connecting the ancient world with modern Jerusalem. Opened in 1889 by the Ottomans, it was created to give direct access to the Christian Quarter, particularly the French institutions and Christian pilgrims who had been settling in growing numbers outside the walls. Situated near the convergence of East and West Jerusalem, the New Gate symbolizes openness and dialogue between communities. Its design is simpler than the city’s older gates, but it exudes a special charm—especially in the evenings when local cafes, boutique shops, and cultural centers buzz with youthful energy. This gate leads into quieter, cobbled streets lined with monasteries, churches, and schools, many of which date back centuries. It’s also a meeting point for contemporary Jerusalem, where locals gather for music events, art shows, and street fairs that spill from the modern city into the Old. More than just an entryway, the New Gate reflects Jerusalem’s evolving character—a place where tradition meets transformation, and history walks hand-in-hand with renewal. For those seeking both the sacred and the current, the New Gate offers a graceful and...

The New Gate, also known as Bab al-Jedid in Arabic, is one of the gates that provides access to the Old City of Jerusalem. Located on the northwestern side of the city, the New Gate is one of the newer entrances compared to other historic gates. It was constructed in the 19th century during the Ottoman era. The New Gate serves as a point of entry for visitors coming from the Christian Quarter and Jaffa Gate area. It offers a more direct route to important sites such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Christian Quarter. The gate features a simple and elegant architectural design, with a pointed arch and stone façade. It provides a convenient access point for tourists and pilgrims, allowing them to explore the religious and historical sites of the Old City with ease. The New Gate is an integral part of Jerusalem's cultural and historical landscape, connecting visitors to its...