ABSTRACT
Jerusalem is one of the most ancient and famous cities in the world. Its political, cultural and religious significance is unparalleled, making the control of the city hotly contested throughout its history. Nowadays, although a bustling modern city, Jerusalem bears the heavy weight of its past, and the competing historical and religious narratives, claims and counter-claims of ownership and sovereignty have produced ideologically driven policies creating further division and prolonging conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. The analyses found in contemporary literature on the subject of Jerusalem are similarly contested, with every manner of political, religious and historical bias represented. This chapter attempts to steer a course through such difficult waters.
