TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jerusalem is the holy city which houses three Abrahamic religions. The Islamic adzhan (call for worship), Christian church bells, and Hebrew hymns from the synagogue can be heard in a single shared atmosphere of the 0.9 square kilometers of the Old City.
The following are three religious holy places located in the city where its religious values are being overshadowed by a long history of geopolitical conflicts and land disputes.
Read: Respect Status Quo of Jerusalem, Says Pope Responding Trump Move
1. Al Aqsa Mosque Complex
The Al Aqsa is a 4,400 square meter mosque that literally translates to “The farthest mosque”. It is the third most important religious site for Muslims following Mecca and Medina.
This complex is also part of Jerusalem’s Old City holy sites in East Jerusalem. The complex includes the Dome of the Rock that is known to Muslims as Al-Haram Ash-Sharif.
2. Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Considered to be built in the fourth century, this church is also believed to be the final resting place of Jesus Christ. Christians also believe it to be the Golgotha hill where Jesus was crucified.
It is used by six ancient denominations, namely the Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, and the Coptic Orthodox. Each has a monk that lives in the church complex area.
3. Western Wall
This is the remains of the wall that was built by Herod the Great. The length of the wall located on the western side of the Temple Mount used to be 485 meters. Right now, only 60 meters of it remains.
Read: 5 Important Facts About Jerusalem
It is believed that the Shekinah – or the presence of God - rests on the wall that did not get destroyed. It is the reason why praying there is the same as praying directly to God.
PARSTODAY | ALJAZEERA | AFP
