Roofs of the Three Suqs of Al-Attarin, al-Lahhamin, and al-Khawajat
At the eastern end of Suq al-Husur, a metal staircase leads to the roofs of al-Attarin, al-Lahhamin and al-Khawajat Suqs, as well as Khan al-Sultan. Ascending to this roof is highly recommended for a panoramic view of the Old City with its domes, minarets and towers, Mount of Olives, the Jerusalem wilderness horizon, the Dome of the Rock to the east, the domes of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and other sites like the Citadel to the west. A second reason is that since the Suqs are narrow and difficult to navigate, the roof offers a quieter and wider place for guidance and viewing. The roof can also serve as a place for rest, reading, meditation, and having a light snack. Care must be taken for sun protection in the summer, and to avoid slipping while moving around or using the metal staircase.
Although these roofs are Islamic waqf property, the Municipality of Jerusalem insisted on opening them to the public, on the pretext that the Jewish Quarter does not have open spaces and that these roofs represent a convenient breathing space for it, which explains the heavy presence of Orthodox Jews there sometimes.
