The Muslim quarter is one of four districts of the Old town, the largest and most densely populated (approximately 22 thousand inhabitants).

Islamic history of Jerusalem began in 638: the city that were part of the Byzantine Empire, surrendered without a fight the second righteous Caliph Omar (Umar) Ibn al-Khattab. In the XIII century with the Mamelukes, Jerusalem became the center of Islamic theology, began the formation of the Muslim community. Built madrasas, mosques, Inns for pilgrims. Much remained to our time.

The population here over the centuries was mixed: Muslims, Jews, Christians. In 1929, because of the violence the Jews left quarter, and it got its present name. Now here is the world, next to Muslims live about 60 Jewish families, there is a yeshiva (Jewish religious school).

The Muslim quarter is rich in historical monuments. Here the Lion's gate street begins the via Dolorosa, with which tradition connects the way of the cross of Jesus. Nine of the fourteen events of the Cross are marked with special marks. Here – Catholic Basilica of the ECCE Homo, the location of which tradition connects with the gospel story: Pontius Pilate brought to the nation bloodied Christ and said, "Behold the man! ". Two points within the district are considered to be the birth place of the virgin Mary: Orthodox worship as the Church of the Nativity of the virgin Mary, Catholics give priority to the place where stands the Church of St. Anne. Near Catholic Church discovered the ruins of a huge ancient pool. Many experts believe that this is the ruins of the pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed a paralytic.

In the Muslim quarter is a Small Wailing Wall – a small piece of the retaining wall of the Temple belonging to the VI century BC

Historical monuments are located here and below ground. For hundreds of meters stretches the Western Wall tunnels. At ten meters depth under noisy streets lies the cave of Zedekiah – a huge pit, which was mined for thousands of years the limestone.

Islamic culture has left an indelible mark on the look of a quarter. Preserved medieval mosques and madrassahs, giving an idea of Mamluk architecture. Madrasah al-Salamia built in the early fourteenth century the rich slave Majd al-DIN Ismail al-Sal: next to the building is beautifully decorated, barred Windows, entrance encrusted with multi-coloured stone. To this same period belongs the Palace of Qasr-Sith-Tumshuk built for the Princess of Tumshuk. In the Ottoman period, the complex of buildings has expanded, lived here Hürrem (Roksolana), beloved wife of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent – the Ukrainian Anastasia lisowska.

True masterpiece of Mamluk architecture are Cotton gate leading to the temple mount. Tourists should not only admire the gates, but also to look in the nearby Souq al-Catenin – huge indoor Cotton market, the construction of which began during the crusaders. Here, as in the many shops of the quarter, made hard bargain, otherwise the price may be exorbitant.