In this third installment of the Jerusalem's Old Past series, Dr Valentina Covaci takes us back to medieval Jerusalem, mostly in the period when the city was under Mamluk rule. We first discussed what medieval Jerusalem means in terms of chronology and of local inhabitants and how the demographic picture changed throughout the medieval centuries. We then moved to discuss Franciscan presence in Jerusalem which started as early as the 13th century, a presence that influenced both the Order and the city. Valentina reminded us that Franciscans created the Via Crucis which so much has influenced the topography and understanding of Jerusalem in Christian thought; not to mention that Franciscans elaborated their perceptions of Jerusalem and exported them around Europe. We then moved to talk about processions, while forbidden by the Mamluk rulers, these became part of Jerusalem and its daily life. Some processions occurred within churches - like the daily Latin procession within the Holy Sepulchre - but others took place and brought European pilgrims to Jerusalem. Valentina told us about these pilgrims, who they were and how they travelled, how they related to the city and what brought back. Lastly we discussed liturgy and how this aspect of religion influenced Jerusalem, but also the famous question of the graffiti at the Holy Sepulchre.

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