The Olive Oil Market of Jerusalem

Known commonly as the Oil Market or Olive Market, Khan al-Zeit is one of the Old City’s primary commercial streets, running through what is known as the Muslim Quarter. For centuries, it has served as a center of daily trade, offering food, spices, textiles, and other everyday goods, while also acting as an important route for residents and pilgrims moving through the city. Its name reflects its historical association with the olive oil trade, a staple of Jerusalem’s economy. While the market’s present layout is 10 to 12 centuries old, it follows the course of a more ancient road that dates back to the Roman period. Islamic architectural elements introduced during the Ayyubid and Mamluk eras—such as stone arches and vaulted ceilings—continue to shape the market today, reflecting a long history of use and renewal.