Jerusalem according to Trifon Karabeynikov's Travel Report the end of XVIth Century

Abstract

Karabeynikov and his friends whose aim was to construct a building nearby St. Catherine's Church on Mount Sinai, had started their travel in 1582. Having arrived in Jerusalem Karabeynikov began to describe the city. In this depiction, he gave some information on urban topoghraphy, and then he narrated religious ceremonies, and mentioned religious places and churches. According to his observation, Christian community in Jerusalem had religious freedom and could visit Holy Spulchre in return for a fee. He also stated that the church was closed to regular religious worship, but it was open to visit of pilgrims, and the building maintained all its magnificence. In addition, the Christian community could worship in other eight churches and visit freely many other shrines. He also mentioned some Jewish ruins and Islamic buildings. Karabeynikov's book of travel presents valuable information on social life and urban structure of Jerusalem.