Jerusalem in the 1920s

An Intimate Glimpse of the Western Wall Before 1967

Jerusalem, 100 Years Ago: The Western Wall Like You’ve Never Seen It

This incredible photograph (c. 1920–1933) shows a completely different reality at the Western Wall. In the image, you can see Jewish worshipers standing in the Old City, looking directly toward the Western Wall and the Mount of Olives.

Before 1967, this area was the Moroccan Quarter (Mughrabi Quarter). Instead of today’s large open plaza, it was a dense neighborhood of homes and other structures built right up against the Western Wall, leaving only a narrow passage for access and prayer.

In June 1967, the quarter was demolished, transforming these intimate, packed alleys into the open plaza we know today.

History is hidden in every layer of this city.

📋 Archival Details:
Title: The Temple area. Western wall of Temple area. Distant view of so-called Wailing Wall.
Source: Matson Photograph Collection (No known restrictions)