The 50 Greatest Wonders of the World by Aaron Millar

Author:Aaron Millar
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Icon Books Ltd

But the Temple of the Mount is also shared with the Muslim quarter. Here it is called Haram al-Sharif, the Noble Sanctuary. It houses the Dome of the Rock, a 7th-century timber-framed shrine and masterpiece of Islamic architecture encasing the rock from which the Prophet Muhammad is said to have ascended to heaven. The Dome of the Rock is also the oldest extant Islamic monument in the world and the basis for almost all Islamic architecture and art since.

And therein lies the problem. The Temple of the Mount is claimed by both ideologies. Both hold it sacred, and both are right. Today, Israel has political sovereignty over the territory that surrounds the Temple Mount, but the compound itself is managed by an Islamic organisation called the Waqf. Israel sees their presence here as a reunification of their ancient capital; Palestinians deem them to be occupiers in Arab land (a position also held by the United Nations). And their conflict is not new. Religious wars have been waged over these precious monuments of the Old City, an area less than a third of the size of Central Park in New York, for thousands of years. And, as far as anyone can tell, there is no end in sight.

But that’s also what makes the Old City of Jerusalem so important. Some wonders fill us with awe, some with humility, admiration and respect. But some should also make us think. If the Old City of Jerusalem is the definitive monument of the human soul, then it is perhaps here that we must begin to reconcile it too. This tiny patch of Earth may have become a reminder of what divides us, but it is also a beacon of all that we share and all that may unite us still.

WHERE: Jerusalem, Israel.

HOW TO SEE IT: May and October can often be the quietest months, with mild temperatures. Come during religious holidays for a special atmosphere.

www.goisrael.com

TOP TIPS: Visit Monday to Thursday. Friday is the Muslim day of prayers, Saturday is the Jewish Sabbath and Sunday is the Christian day of rest – religious sites will either be closed or with restricted access. Be aware of the dress codes at religious sites before you travel.

TRY THIS INSTEAD: In Jewish, Islamic and Christian history, Mount Sinai in Egypt is believed to be the site where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Thousands of pilgrims make the trek to the summit each year.

www.egypt.travel

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.