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In the Shadow of the Wall

Vincent Lemire

494 Pages
2023

In the Shadow of the Wall

Stanford University Press

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In the Shadow of the Wall - Summary

"In the Shadow of the Wall" tells the poignant and often overlooked story of the Maghrebi Quarter, a vibrant neighborhood that existed for centuries in the shadow of Jerusalem's Western Wall. Author Vincent Lemire painstakingly reconstructs the history of this quarter, from its founding in the 12th century to its abrupt demolition in 1967. Through archival documents, archaeological findings, and poignant resident testimonies, Lemire resurrects a community erased, offering a powerful meditation on the intersection of memory, place, and power.

Key Themes

1

The Maghrebi Quarter as a Microcosm of Jerusalem

The Maghrebi Quarter was not merely a footnote in Jerusalem's history, but rather a microcosm reflecting the city's complex social, religious, and political dynamics. He details the daily lives of the quarter's inhabitants, showcasing their rich cultural traditions, religious practices, and interactions with other communities in Jerusalem.

2

The Politics of Erasure

The demolition of the Maghrebi Quarter in 1967 is explored not as an isolated event but as part of a larger pattern of erasure and spatial reconfiguration in Jerusalem. Lemire meticulously documents the political motivations and justifications offered for the quarter's destruction, highlighting how it served to solidify control over a symbolically charged site.

3

The Power of Memory

Despite its physical erasure, the Maghrebi Quarter continues to exist in the memories of those who lived there. Lemire gives voice to these memories, drawing upon oral histories and personal accounts to paint a vivid picture of life in the quarter before its destruction.

FAQ's

"In the Shadow of the Wall" focuses on the history and significance of the Maghrebi Quarter in Jerusalem, from its founding in the 12th century to its demolition in 1967. The book highlights the cultural, social, and political dynamics of the quarter and its impact on Jerusalem's history.

Vincent Lemire reconstructs the history of the Maghrebi Quarter through a combination of archival documents, archaeological findings, and resident testimonies. This comprehensive approach allows him to provide a detailed and nuanced account of the quarter's past.

The book explores themes such as the politics of erasure, the power of memory, and the complex social, religious, and political dynamics of Jerusalem. It also examines how the demolition of the Maghrebi Quarter fits into broader patterns of spatial reconfiguration in the city.

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