We will forever keep the eternal spring

According to Jewish legend, in the first days of creation when water and land were separated, the world’s first water, a spring gushed forth out of the center of Jerusalem. The water source is still accessible under the Western Wall, the original wall that surrounded the Jewish Holy Temple. Could ancient pottery from China, found in Jerusalem, mean that the ancient Chinese knew about living water wisdom?

Archeologists from Germany and Israel found a 500-year-old Ming Dynasty shard on Mount Zion under a church which was built during the Ottoman Empire. It is the first piece of evidence that goes so back linking China to the Holy Land.

The rare 16th century CE Chinese inscription was discovered on a porcelain bowl fragment, reading: “Forever we will guard the eternal spring.”

Could the Chinese know and believe that under the city of Jerusalem lay the eternal spring?

This past summer, during routine procedures for the upcoming excavation season, Michael Chernin, an archaeologist at the Israel Antiquities Authority, suddenly spotted a colorful object sticking out of the dirt that had been cleared away while preparing the site.

When Michael pulled out the object and washed it, he recognized that there was an inscription on its bottom. Dr. Anna de Vincenz, pottery specialist, identified the inscription to be Chinese. At this point— the vessel was examined by the Hebrew University in Jerusalem’s researcher Jingchao Chen, who deciphered the inscription as reading, “We will forever guard the eternal spring.”

The bowl dates back to 1520-1570, and originated in the Ming Dynasty. “Ancient Chinese porcelain vessels were previously found in Israel, but this is the first to bear an inscription,” say the researchers.

Related: living water protector Peter Steel in Canada

How did a dish make its way from China to Mount Zion? Historical writings indicate close 16th century trade relations between the Chinese Empire and the Ottoman Empire, then ruling the Land of Israel. According to Ming Dynasty annals, about 20 official Ottoman delegations visited the imperial court in Beijing during the 15th-17th centuries.

The trade relations between these empires are also described in travel books of merchants from this period. Thus, the writings of the Chinese scholar Ma Li from 1541 note colonies of Chinese merchants in Lebanese coastal cities such as Beirut and Tripoli. The work even mentions other important cities in the region such as Jerusalem, Cairo and Aleppo.

According to Israel Antiquities Authority Director Eli Escusido, “In archaeological research, evidence of trade relations between merchants in the Land of Israel and the Far East is known even from earlier periods – for example, of various spices. But it is fascinating to meet evidence of these relations also in the form of an actual inscription, written in the Chinese language, and in an unexpected place – on Mount Zion in Jerusalem”

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Uri Jeremias peered over the roof of his restaurant back in 2001 and fell in love with a large abandoned building. It wasn’t for sale, but the restaurateur persevered, and eventually converted the Ottoman era palace into a resplendent boutique hotel.

Located in Acre, a well-documented UNESCO heritage site 150 miles north of Tel Aviv, The Efendi Hotel is named for the builders who were responsible for the last bit of construction done on what are actually two enjoined Ottoman palaces.

The southern structure is the Afifi House or Wizo House, according to the hotel website, while the northern structure is the Hamar or Shukri House, named for a family of musicians who once resided there.

“The two structures together contain within their walls the stories, secrets, mysteries, and enchantment that have been gathered for over 1,500 years.”

In the 18th century,  a soap manufacturing business thrived in the lower part of the house, according to its owner. The soap was made from olive oil and remnants of the factory can still be seen today.

Painstakingly restored with help from the local Antiquities Authority, the soaring buildings boast such gems as a 1878 Frescoe of Istanbul and a 400 year old claw bath.

Built on even older historical sites, the wine cellar dates back to the Crusades, and all of this history has been carefully preserved – sometimes with professional craftsmen flown in from Italy.

As We Heart notes, however, the historical aspects of the renovated palaces merged as one boutique hotel are carefully combined with fresh, modern finishings and furnishings.

The rooms have soaring, palatial ceilings, minimalist decor, as well as natural daylight that seeps deep into the hotel. Tall windows and regal balconies offer spectacular views of the nearby Mediterranean Sea.

Hundreds of fine local wines are available and it’s even possible to enjoy the traditional Muslim Hammam experience at the hotel, and some rooms have been adapted for people with disabilities.

Naturally one should expect to pay a pretty penny for the honor of wining, dining and sleeping at this beautifully-renovated boutique hotel, which means that only a small portion of the population will be able to enjoy the experience, but it might be worth a splurge for those who love design matched with history.

:: We Heart

Photography Assaf Pinchuk

The post Ottoman Palaces Converted into Gorgeous Boutique Efendi Hotel appeared first on Green Prophet.