|
|
|
|
|
Dome of The Rock...
|
The Dome of the Rock built by the
Muslim ruler Abd el-Malik in 688-691. Because of its situation on bedrock, the numerous earthquakes over the centuries have not caused significant damage to the structure (unlike its neighbor Al Aqsa mosque). This shrine was covered by a lead dome from 691 until it was replaced with a gold-colored covering in 1965. Because of rust, the anodized aluminum cover was again replaced in 1993 with a gold covering.
|
|
|
|
Dome of The Rock from South
|
|
 |
|
Inside the building in classical Arabic is inscribed, "O you People of the Book, overstep not bounds in your religion, and of God speak only the truth. The Messiah,
Jesus, son of Mary, is only an apostle of God, and his Word which he conveyed unto Mary, and a Spirit proceeding from him. Believe therefore in God and his apostles, and say not Three. It will be better for you.God is only one God. Far be it from his glory that he should have a son." |
|
|
|
|
More important to the Muslims than the
Dome of the Rock is Al Aqsa Mosque. Believing that this is the place referred to in the Koran as "al aqsa" (the furthermost), Muslims have sanctified this as the third most holy place in the Muslim world (after shrines in Mecca and Medina, both in Saudi Arabia). The original mosque was built in 715 but it has been destroyed numerous times by earthquakes.
|
|
|
|
|
The mosque witnessed a turbulent 20th century. King Abdullah of Jordan was assassinated in front of Al Aqsa in 1951. A deranged Australian tourist set fire to the mosque in 1969, destroying the beautiful 12th century wooden pulpit. Controversy now rages over building activity on a larger mosque constructed underneath this one. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
