The Night Jerusalem's Walls Were Built by Suleiman

In this episode of The History of Jerusalem, Lucas and Luna explore the dramatic story behind the construction of Jerusalem's iconic Ottoman walls under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century. They discuss why the walls were built, the legend of the two architects executed for failing to include Mount Zion, and how Suleiman's patronage revived the city after centuries of neglect. Drawing on accounts from Ottoman chronicles and European travelers, the episode also examines the political context—Suleiman's rivalry with the Safavids, his desire to legitimize Ottoman rule, and the integration of Jerusalem into the empire's religious and economic networks. Lucas explains the walls' unique features, including the seven gates and the inscriptions praising Suleiman, and how they shaped the city's modern layout. The conversation touches on the walls' later role in the 1917 battle and the 1967 reunification, ending with a reflection on how this physical boundary became a symbol of Jerusalem's enduring contested identity.

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