Overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem, at-Tur sits atop the Mount of Olives. It’s a place steeped in history, a neighborhood where time seems to whisper secrets of bygone eras. At-Tur isn’t just a name on a map. It’s a living tapestry woven with threads of faith, conflict, and resilience. The name itself, at-Tur, simply means “The Mount” in Arabic, a testament to its prominent position.
At-Tur is believed to be the biblical Bethphage, meaning “house of unripe figs.” This resonates with the New Testament narrative, adding another layer to the area’s rich history. Archaeological excavations have unveiled remnants of the past: rock-cut installations, a quarry, a columbarium, and burial caves, some dating back to the Second Temple period. These findings offer a glimpse into the lives of those who inhabited at-Tur centuries ago.
At-Tur holds a significant place in Christian tradition. It is home to the Chapel of the Ascension, part of a complex that has served as a church, monastery, and mosque. This is the very spot where Jesus is believed to have ascended into heaven after his resurrection. Imagine the weight of that belief, resonating across centuries and drawing pilgrims from around the world.
Ottoman tax records from 1596 mention at-Tur, then known as Tur Zayta. The village consisted of 48 Muslim households and eight bachelors, paying taxes on their crops and livestock. Later, in 1838, biblical researchers identified at-Tur as a Muslim village. The Palestine Exploration Fund’s 1883 survey described it as a modest village with stone houses, noting the Church of the Ascension, then a mosque.
The population of at-Tur grew over the years. In 1922, under the British Mandate, it was just over 1,000. By 1931, it had doubled to over 2,000, with a small Jewish community alongside the Muslim and Christian populations. By 1945, the population neared 3,000. After the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, at-Tur fell under Jordanian rule. The 1961 Jordanian census recorded over 4,000 residents. Following the Six-Day War in 1967, at-Tur came under Israeli occupation. Today, at-Tur remains a diverse neighborhood with a predominantly Jewish Israeli population alongside Muslim and Christian residents.
At-Tur is more than just a historical site. It’s home to important institutions like the Augusta Victoria Hospital and the Al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Hospital. The Church and Convent of Pater Noster, where the Lord’s Prayer is inscribed in numerous languages, is another notable landmark. These modern additions contribute to the vibrant tapestry of at-Tur, intertwining with the ancient stories and creating a unique and compelling destination. As you stand here, overlooking the city, take a moment to absorb the weight of history, the echoes of faith, and the enduring spirit of at-Tur.