Despite its name, Charleston is not a 'holy city.' Its name is not a result of religious freedom, but rather a product of twentieth century marketing. Nevertheless, the city's early inhabitants experienced varying levels of religious persecution. As a result, many Hasidic men were worried that gentrification would damage the city's spiritual status.
While Jerusalem is a holy city, its population is relatively diverse and cosmopolitan. The city is composed of Armenian, Jewish, Muslim, and Christian quarters, with a mixture of ethnic groups and religious practices. It is also a culturally diverse place, with a unique architectural mosaic. It is characterized by its white stone and pink stone buildings, which reflect sunlight to create a sense of distinction.
The city is home to several churches. The largest, the Armenian church, was founded in the 6th century. Other churches include the Ethiopian and Coptic faiths. The Armenian population in Jerusalem is estimated to be around 1,000 people, with half of them living in the Armenian quarter around the Cathedral of St. James, the largest monastic center in the region. The city also contains a small community of Protestants, including Anglicans and Lutherans. American Evangelical churches also have an active presence.
The Old City's population was estimated to be around five thousand years ago. In the days of Jesus Christ, Jerusalem's area was almost twice the size it is today. It is a "venerable city" in the words of Mark Twain. In 1869, the city was surrounded by walls. Over time, settlements outside the walls began to move in, and shepherds of the Judaean hills were forced to move to settlements outside the walls. Today, there are four main quarters. The largest is the Muslim Quarter, which contains the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock. The Muslim Quarter also includes the Pools of Bethesda and the Via Dolorosa.