First Journey Day 20: Armenian Artistry
Date: September 13, 2023
Location: Jerusalem, Israel
In Jerusalem, Israel, I spent the day in the Armenian Quarter, where centuries of craft linger in stone lanes and kiln-warm studios. A pottery workshop became my doorway into the city’s layered memory—bread and incense in the air, quiet hands guiding clay into form.
In the Armenian Quarter
Today, I found myself immersed in the rich tapestry of Jerusalem's history and culture. The city's ancient walls seemed to whisper tales of bygone eras, and every corner held a story waiting to be discovered. I decided to attend a pottery workshop in the Armenian Quarter. The experience was transformative. As my hands molded the clay, I felt a deep connection to the artisans who have been practicing this craft for generations in this very city.
Hands That Remember
The workshop was nestled in a quaint alley, and the instructor, an elderly Armenian gentleman, shared stories of his ancestors and the significance of pottery in their lives. Each piece we created was not just an object, but a vessel carrying the legacy of Jerusalem's Armenian community. As I shaped my pottery, I was reminded of the city's resilience and the myriad cultures that have left their imprint here.
Through the Lanes
After the workshop, I wandered through the narrow lanes, soaking in the ambiance. The mingling aromas of freshly baked bread, spices, and incense created a sensory tapestry that was both comforting and invigorating. The sounds of prayers from different religious sites converged in a harmonious symphony, echoing the city's spirit of coexistence.
What the Day Left Me
Today was a testament to Jerusalem's enduring allure. Through pottery, I felt a profound connection to its past, and as I walked its streets, I was filled with hope for its future. The city, with its juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern aspirations, left an indelible mark on my heart.
Travel Notes
- Weather: Partly cloudy, 18–27 °C; a soft breeze in shaded alleys; late-afternoon light brushing warm stone.
- Scents: Freshly baked bread, za’atar and spice, church incense, and the earthy damp of clay.
- Sounds: Prayer calls and bells overlapping in the distance; the quiet whir of a pottery wheel; footsteps threading narrow streets.
- Reflection: Shaping clay felt like shaping memory—each groove a small vow to listen to the city’s many voices.
Continue the Journey
You may also enjoy yesterday’s rose-red quiet in Petra (Day 19), or step forward to the sea-breezed rhythms of Tel Aviv (Day 21).
