The Old City of Jerusalem's Arab residents are not what most people typically envision as "Palestinian." They primarily consist of long-established native Arab families who have inhabited Jerusalem since before the 7th century CE. The Christian community has been present in the city for approximately 2,000 years, maintaining deep roots and continuous presence. Meanwhile, the Jewish people have regarded Jerusalem as their spiritual and cultural home for over 3,000 years, with historical and archaeological evidence supporting their longstanding connection to the city.

Jerusalem is one of the most sacred cities in the world, revered across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Throughout modern history, the city has never been officially or legally divided into exactly three religious zones. Instead, the historic core—the Old City of Jerusalem—has been traditionally partitioned into four quarters for approximately 185 years. These are the Muslim Quarter, Christian Quarter, Jewish Quarter, and Armenian Quarter. Each quarter preserves its unique historical architecture, religious sites, and cultural identity, reflecting the city’s rich, multi-layered heritage.