Jerusalem - Beheaded architects' graves at the Jaffa Gate

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The walls you see around Jerusalem today are the result of Suleiman the Great, who gave orders for the project. He assigned two architects for the task, and it took about 5 years to finish the work (1537-1541). Suleiman trusted them to make wise decisions about what had to be done.

The graves of those architects rests just inside the Jaffa Gate in a small enclosure just beyond the Tourist Information Office on the left. 

There is an interesting tradition concerning them. They were beheaded after the completion of the task. Some say it was because the Sultan wanted to ensure that they would never build anything more impressive for anyone else. Others say the Sultan was furious with them because, in an attempt to save money, they didn't include Mt. Zion within the walls.

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