Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum > Records

First World War Black and White Photographic Postcard of The Golden Gate Jerusalem

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c. 1916 - 1919

Overview

A small black and white photograph showing a large ornate brick structure (gate) flanked by two brick walls. The gate has two large arches on its façade which are bricked up with only small entrances near the bottom. Both entrances have metal gates. There are walls attached to either side of the gate, while the image also shows two brick walls in front of the gate. There are several plants growing from near the top of the gate. The reverse of the image has the proforma printing of part of a postcard and an inscription which is slightly smudged. The photograph has a small border and is in good condition.

Historical information

The Old City of Jerusalem is surrounded by a large wall which has eight major gates. The Eastern Gate, facing the Mount of Olives, is unique, as it is sealed shut. It is reputed to be the oldest gate of the Old City with times of construction varying from 520 A.D. The "Golden Gate," or in Hebrew "Gate of Mercy," gives the most direct access to what would have been the area of the Jewish temple. As it is the most proximal location to where the Temple once stood, Jews would pray near this gate to be as close as possible to the holiest site. The gate in its present form was sealed by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman in 1541. The exterior face of the gate is a sealed double entrance that leads into two vaulted halls.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-12-2022.1.115

Item type

Photographs

Themes

War and Conflict > World War 1

Material

Photo Paper

Width

88 mm

Height or length