The Mosaic of Jerusalem

With Daoud Menarious

About the Tour:

Despite the many tours offered in Jerusalem. few have focused on the neighborhoods and communities that make up the vibrant social and cultural life of the Old City. We invite you to walk through the narrow alleyways between the markets, feel the rocky cobblestones, and glimpse the history of the Afghanis, the Indians, the Copts, the Syrians, the Africans, the Armenians, and many more communities through their own voices and stories who will reveal to you the true mosaic of Jerusalem.

Curated By:
Daoud Menarious

Tour Duration:
Half-day tour (approx. 4 hours)

What to Bring:
Wear modest but comfortable clothing. Bring cash to shop in the Old City and water/snacks as needed. The roads of the Old City are not easy to walk and there are few places to sit down, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes as well.

About the Guide

Daoud Menarious

With Daoud is a Palestinian Christian from a Coptic and Caananite background. Daoud’s father was the head of the Coptic Christian community in Jerusalem. His childhood and inside experience in the Coptic community and Jerusalem at large give him a unique perspective to share with visitors. Street vendors and people of the Old City know him as loud and energetic, and he is often accused of stealing the attention of visitors from other groups when he is leading a tour!

Tour Highlights

Listen to stories from local families of the Old City Walk through un-explored alleys rarely visited by tourists or pilgrimage groups Experience Palestinian culture of the Old City through music and food Map the mosaic of Jerusalem

Tour Details

We start at Damascus Gate, the entrance to the Muslim Quarter of the Old City. From there we will go to visit communities living in the Old City. Unlike a typical tour of the Old City, Daoud’s connections and relationships as a local will introduce you to different communities around the Old City’s 8 Quarters. We will learn about when and how they came to Jerusalem, what identities they hold, and challenges and acts of co-existence in their daily lives. Jerusalem, as a mother gathering her chicks, is an ongoing process; be prepared to hear new stories about new communities and people moving into Jerusalem.

Testimonials

Truly a one-of-a kind experience with Daoud. I really enjoyed this unconventional tour of the Old City, where we got to interact with the children in the alleys and homes and see the hopes and future of each community.

Often when you hear about the Old City, you only hear about the tensions and conflict there. Daoud showed a different side of Jerusalem, where communities can live in coexistence and mutual flourishing with each other despite hardships.