Jérusalem, Birket-es-Soutlan 1854 - 1859

Auguste Salzmann created this photograph, "Jérusalem, Birket-es-Soutlan," capturing Jerusalem's walls with a stark, documentary gaze. The stone wall, a dominant symbol, transcends mere architecture, embodying centuries of conflict and spiritual significance. This defensive structure, with its towers, is a motif echoed in countless fortifications throughout history, from ancient Jericho to medieval European castles. Walls offer protection but also create division. The image evokes a powerful ambivalence. The solid, impenetrable wall reminds us of mankind's constant struggle for security, a psychological yearning rooted deep in our collective memory. Like the recurring dream of a fortress, the walls of Jerusalem resonate with a sense of both safety and confinement. The photograph invites us to reflect on how we build walls, both physical and metaphorical, and their enduring impact on our shared human experience. They reappear, evolve, and take on new meanings throughout history.