Jerusalem: Two Nations and Three Religions

Jerusalem, one of the oldest cities in the world, and the largest city in Israel for thousands of Israeli and Palestinian citizens, considered as a home for three religions: Islam, Christianity and Judaism. It also formed of two peoples, Jews and Arabs. Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel. In addition it is the location of many government branches, and the residences of the prime minister and president.

In 1917, the British Army occupied Jerusalem, which was the capital of Palestine (Palestine was ruled by the British mandate). During this time Arabs rioted against the colonialists, who supported the settlement of Jews in Palestine.

Although Arab citizens refused to divide the city, the United Nations decided formally to divide Jerusalem in 1947 under the rule of Israel and Jordan until Israel took the complete rule.

Jerusalem consists of two sections: East Jerusalem- the Arab citizens, and West Jerusalem- the Jewish citizens.   

 In general, religion in Israel played an important role in shaping the country`s traditions, culture, and lifestyle throughout history. And Jerusalem is one of Israel's cities that contain three religions.

Inasmuch as Jerusalem is the holy land of the three monotheistic religions: Islam, Christianity and Judaism, it attracts many tourists and visitors from all over the world.

Dome of the Rock

Moslem religion: Moslems can worship at Al-Aqsa Mosque; which is also known as the Mosque of Omar. It contain two parts Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque. On top of the Temple Mount is the gold-domed Dome of the Rock (est. 661 AD) and the silver- domed al-Aqsa (est. 710 AD) mosques. Behind the Dome is the Mount of Olives, important in the Garden of Gethsemane. In 638 AD the Arabs took Jerusalem and built the Dome of the Rock on the site of the Temple. For Muslims, the city is their third holiest because it is the site from which Muhammad is said to have risen to heaven and the location of their mosque.

Al-Aqsa Mosque

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Christian religion: You will find many places of worship located in Jerusalem. Christians can worship at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This church was established in the 4th century AD and was rebuilt by the Crusaders beginning in 1099. The church is believed by Christian historians to stand on the hill of Calvary or Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified. For Christians the city is the site of many events in the life of Jesus Christ and his followers.

The Wailing Wall

Jewish religion: Jews can worship at the Wailing Wall, their most sacred shrine. This is the only remaining portion of the original wall of King Solomon's Temple. After the Jews were banished from the Temple Mount the Wailing Wall became their most sacred place of worship. Just above the wall is the Dome of the Rock, where Moslems worship. For Jews the city of Jerusalem is the site of their ancient Temple and their historical background.

 

Jerusalem markets

      Another thing that makes Jerusalem very special, attractive to tourists and very important is the markets that are much known for their special design; every market has its own design and every design symbolizes an ancient value.

Jerusalem markets

What makes Jerusalem markets very special is their ancient age. For example the Tanning Market (Sok Al Dbaga in Arabic) was built at the time of the Ottoman Empire (about 713 years ago). Another example, is Al Qatanin Market (it is in Arabic and it means the people who produce and sell cotton). This market was built at the time of the Fatimid Caliphate (about 1103 years ago). In addition Jerusalem markets are full of spirituality, for example Kan Al Zit market (it is an Arabic word) where at the center of the market there is the sixth stage of the Via Dolorosa, and at the same market there is a church and the chapel of the Muslim Khalifa Abou Bakir. Another example is the Christian Neighborhood Market where there are a lot of churches, monasteries and also the Kalifa Omar Ben Al-Khattab Mosque.