Lecture: Perspectives on holiness, power, and urban planning in Jerusalem

The Student Union will continue with its lecture series on the conflict in the Middle East. This lecture is held by Anna Hjälm – Director of The Swedish Theological Institute in Jerusalem. The lecture will be held in English.

Jerusalem is a city of approximately a million inhabitants. It has no public swimming pool, a single tram line and half the city comes to a complete standstill once a week. It is a place that evokes religious passion and political upheaval, within its boundaries bringing together the three Abrahamitic religions, two states and at least 5000 years of human history.

Among the miracles and mess of the holy city, this lecture addresses some of the ways that the power to plan urban space can be used as both a political and strategic activity.