Newly discovered inscriptions from the Armenian cathedral of St. James in Jerusalem

Abstract

The article focuses on the epigraphic legacy of the Armenian Cathedral of St. James in Jerusalem and its recently discovered inscriptions. Since the late 19th century, scholars have been gathering and publishing epigraphs from the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem, encompassing not just the Cathedral but also other sanctuaries, and the neighbourhoods within the convent. These efforts have provided a valuable resource for those interested in the history of Armenians in the Holy Land. Similar to inscriptions found in other sanctuaries across the Holy Land, those found in the St. James Cathedral were left by both congregants of the Cathedral and Armenian pilgrims who visited the Holy Land over the centuries. Local inscriptions typically include details about the individuals mentioned, such as their families, birthplaces, and occupations. These sources frequently document renovations or constructions, shedding light on known and previously unknown projects undertaken in the area. Through epigraphic research conducted in Jerusalem in 2019 and 2022, several inscriptions previously absent from earlier editions were discovered in the Cathedral. This article presents 10 of these newly found inscriptions, accompanied by images and explanatory notes.

Keywords

• holy land
• jerusalem
• st. james monastery
• armenian congregation
• armenian neighbourhoods
• inscriptions