The Jerusalem of Transformation Popular Understandings about and Attitudes Toward the Armenian Quarter

Areg Allen Sarkissian studies the history and the population ideas about the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem and how the citizens treat the cultural spaces of the quarter. He centers his discussion on three main, popular areas of the quarter: the Calouste Gulbenkian Library, the Cathedral of Saint James, and the Saint Tarkmantchatz School.

In his research, Areg interviewed numerous people who call the Armenian Quarter home. In doing so, Sarkissian takes the discussion of the Armenian Quarter out of the realm of academia and puts it back among the people. He stresses the need to interview the populace to get a view of the quarter. The opinions of the government or the clergy aren't enough to get the whole picture, and they may not present the true story.

For clarity, Sarkissian limits his research to two particular time-frames-1948 and 1967-both eras of violence and upheaval for the quarter. He explores how building renovations and upkeep can be used to direct people's cultural and religious traditions.

Sarkissian ends his research with a discussion of the Armenian Quarter's future and speculation about its changing status among the various religious and ethnic groups in Jerusalem.