Bulgarian Pilgrims' Graffiti Found in Jerusalem

Shai Halevi and Michel Chernin of the Israel Antiquities Authority have documented 18th-century graffiti inscriptions in Greek Orthodox monasteries in Jerusalem, revealing evidence of Bulgarian pilgrims visiting these sites. Their findings were published in Antiqot in 2024, CE Report quotes BTA

The researchers focused on key monasteries in the Old City, including St. Theodoroi, St. Charalambos, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, using multispectral and RTI imaging techniques. These methods uncovered previously unnoticed inscriptions, offering a glimpse into the religious journeys of pilgrims over 500 years of Ottoman rule.

The graffiti, primarily from Bulgarian visitors, indicates a flourishing pilgrimage movement in the late 18th century, likely driven by Bulgaria’s economic growth. The study also highlights how the pilgrims' places of origin, such as Bansko and Danube port cities, reflect Bulgaria's trading centers at the time.

Their research sheds light on the rich history of Bulgarian Christianity and the significance of Jerusalem as a religious destination.