​​​​Eitan Simanor  ​​​P h o t o g r a p h y

The Old City of Jerusalem is under growing stress: enclosed behind its ancient walls, it suffers from overpopulation, an influx of tourism, aging infrastructures, and the narrowness and steepness of the alleyways that pass for streets. Large quantities of solid waste accumulate daily at street corners, while hordes of street sweepers crisscross the Old City and small tractors tow away towering heaps of rubbish. Add to this militant graffiti seeking public exposure, and your conclusion must be that the urban landscape of the Old City is being reshaped daily by chronic disorder.

This issue is not specific to Jerusalem, but in such a cramped and tense urban environment the effect is exacerbated. Focusing on this aspect of the Old City of Jerusalem offers a perspective far removed from the perception most people have of this iconic destination