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Jerusalem’s History

Jerusalem’s history stretches back about 5,000 years. About 2500 BC, the Canaanites inhabited the city. Later, Jerusalem became a Jebusite citadel. When DAVID captured the city (c.1000 BC), the Jebusites were absorbed into the Jewish people. David made Jerusalem the capital of his kingdom, and SOLOMON built the first Temple to house the Ark of the Covenant. In 586 BC, the Babylonian NEBUCHADNEZZAR II destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple and exiled the Jews to Babylonia.

Fifty years later (537 BC), CYRUS THE GREAT of Persia conquered Babylonia and permitted the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. Persia held the city until 333 BC, when ALEXANDER THE GREAT added Palestine to his empire. In 323 BC, PTOLEMY I of Egypt took Palestine into his kingdom.

About 198 BC, the Seleucid king ANTIOCHUS III conquered Judaea (of which Jerusalem was a part), making it tributary to Syria. The Jews later revolted under the leadership of Maccabees and defeated the Syrians. The Temple was reconsecrated in 165 BC, and the Maccabean, or Hasmonean, dynasty ruled until Rome took the city in 63 BC.

The Romans set up a local dynasty, the house of Herod, to rule most of Palestine; Herod the Great (r. 40-4 BC) rebuilt much of Jerusalem, including the Temple. Roman governors, however, retained ultimate control; one of them, Pontius Pilate, authorized the execution of Jesus Christ. While suppressing a major Jewish revolt, the Romans destroyed the Second Temple in AD 70. In 135, after the failure of the BAR KOCHBA revolt, Jews were banished from Jerusalem. From the early 4th century, when Christianity became legal in the Roman Empire, Jerusalem developed as a center of Christian pilgrimage.

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher and many other Christian shrines were erected. Except for a brief period of Persian rule (614-28) the city remained under Roman (later, Byzantine) control until 638, when the Muslim Arabs took Jerusalem. The Arabs built (688-91) the Dome of the Rock mosque on the site of the Temple.

In the 11th century, Muslim toleration of both Jews and Christians gave way to persecution under the FATIMID caliph al-Hakim (r. 996-1021) and under the SELJUKS, who seized Jerusalem in 1071. European Christendom responded by launching the CRUSADES. The Crusaders conquered Jerusalem in 1099 and established a Crusader state. SALADIN recaptured the city for the Muslims in 1187, and the Ayyubid and Mameluke dynasties ruled until 1517, when the Ottoman Empire took control.

In 1917 the British occupied Jerusalem, and it became the capital of mandated PALESTINE from 1923 until 1948. During this period the city saw Arab rioting against the Jews. The 1948 United Nations partition plan for Palestine called for internationalization of the city. The Arabs rejected this resolution, and, from 1949, Jerusalem was divided into an Israeli and a Jordanian sector. The city remained divided until 1967, when Israel took the entire city following the Six Day War. The city is reunited today under Israeli government, which guarantees religious freedom and protection of all holy places.

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The Western Wall Virtual tour – Visit the Kotel

The Western Wall also called the Wailing wall, is the western retaining wall of the Temple Mount, the one that was closest to the Holy of Holies when the Temple stood. The holiest Jewish site in the world and a renowned symbol of Jerusalem’s Old City, the Western Wall is a remnant of the retaining wall built by Herod the Great in the 1st century BC, to encompass the Second Temple enclosure. As the only remainder of their sacred, destroyed Temple, Jewish people from all over the world, throughout two thousands years of exile, have faced the direction of the Western Wall on their prayers. It is a Jewish belief that the Holy Presence has never left the Western Wall, thus it became the most significant site of Jewish pilgrimage, where Jews came to mourn the ruin of the Temple. This is how the Wall, “Ha’kotel” in Hebrew, has gained the name – the “Wailing Wall”. The big plaza in front of the Wall is divided into two sections – one for women and one for men. Here you can observe different kinds of Jewish activities and prayers, from orthodox Jews dressed in black reading their bible, to Israeli soldiers and groups of Jewish tourists. Leaning against the Wall and kissing the stones, the prayers’ most famous custom is to insert a note with a prayer to God between the Wall’s bricks, believing in its priority to be answered. The Western Wall serves as a favorite location for Jewish traditional celebrations, and gets amazingly alive on Friday eve (the arrival of Sabbath) and on Jewish holidays. While visiting the Kotel you may see a Bar Mitzvah kid holding the Torah on his traditional ceremony, or an excited bride & groom being photographed before their wedding. Information: The Western Wall is open 24 hours, and requires a modest dress for women and a head cover for the men. Admission is free. The closest gate to enter the Old City directly to the Wall is the Dung Gate. Buses No. 1 and 2 reach inside the Old City to the area of the Wall. http://www.inisrael.com/news/?p=55

The Museum for Islamic Art, Jerusalem

The Museum for Islamic Art in Jerusalem: A Window into the Rich Cultural Heritage of the Middle East Jerusalem is a city that has been at the crossroads of many civilizations throughout history. As a result, the city boasts a rich cultural heritage that has been preserved in its museums and historical sites. The Museum for Islamic Art is one such cultural institution that offers visitors a unique window into the artistic and cultural traditions of the Middle East. The Museum for Islamic Art, located in the heart of Jerusalem, is home to a vast collection of Islamic art and artifacts that date back to the 7th century. The collection includes ceramics, textiles, metalwork, and jewelry, among other things. The museum was founded in 1974 by Vera Bryce Salomons, a Dutch philanthropist, and art collector, who was inspired by her travels through the Middle East. The museum building, designed by the architect Alfred Mansfeld, is a work of art in itself. The structure, which was completed in 1974, is a modernist masterpiece that features a unique blend of geometric and organic forms. The building is surrounded by a lush garden that serves as a peaceful oasis in the midst of the bustling city. The museum's permanent collection is organized thematically, with each section highlighting a different aspect of Islamic art and culture. One of the most impressive sections of the collection is the ceramics gallery, which features a stunning array of earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain from across the Islamic world. The collection includes examples of some of the most intricate and beautiful ceramic work ever created, including Persian lusterware, Iznik pottery, and Chinese-inspired blue and white ceramics. Another highlight of the museum's collection is the textiles gallery, which features a wide range of textiles from across the Islamic world. The collection includes silk and cotton fabrics, embroidered garments, and carpets and rugs. The textiles on display showcase the incredible craftsmanship and artistry that went into creating these beautiful objects. The museum's collection of metalwork is also a must-see for visitors. The collection includes a stunning array of decorative objects made of brass, copper, silver, and gold. The metalwork on display includes everything from ornate candlesticks and candelabras to intricately designed jewelry and weaponry. In addition to its permanent collection, the Museum for Islamic Art also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions feature works of art from across the Islamic world and provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the region. One of the unique features of the Museum for Islamic Art is its focus on education and outreach. The museum offers a variety of programs and workshops for visitors of all ages, including lectures, guided tours, and hands-on workshops. These programs provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Islamic art and culture and allow them to engage with the museum's collection in a meaningful way. In conclusion, the Museum for Islamic Art in Jerusalem is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East. With its impressive collection of Islamic art and artifacts, stunning architecture, and commitment to education and outreach, the museum offers visitors a unique and enriching cultural experience. Whether you're a seasoned art lover or simply looking to learn more about the history and culture of the region, the Museum for Islamic Art is a destination that should not be missed. Address: 2 Hapalmach St, Jerusalem

Mamilla Alrov Mall, Jerusalem

The summer vacation is at its peak, and it seems like there's no stopping the mall from becoming the hottest venue for all events during the vacation months. And if you're going to be shopping, you should definitely check out the Mamilla Mall in Jerusalem - a city in which anyone who doesn't live there or wasn't born there feels like a tourist. The mall is situated opposite the Jaffa Gate, close to the Mamilla Jerusalem Hotel and is part of the exclusive area that overlooks the Old City of Jerusalem. The Mamilla Mall is an open-air mall, built as a boulevard that preserves the area's architectural heritage, while integrating it into a modern day shopping experience. There are 120 stores in the mall, both national chains as well as select stores belonging to local and international designers, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. The mall also has a closed auditorium where various performances are held, and where games and entertainment options are available for children. Among the huge variety of stores in the mall are: Mango, MAC, GAP, Castro, Steimatzky, H. Stern, BEBE, Polo Ralph Lauren, Nautica, Tommy Hilfiger, Topshop and many, many more! Among the luxury international stores that recently immigrated to Jerusalem, you'll be able to find Rolex Show, which is Rolex's flagship store. The mall also hosts a number of other luxury brands including Gucci, Rado, Lacroix, Omega and many others. The Nike store has a European design and carries unique and exclusive styles. Other stores in the mall include Crocs, the only one in Jerusalem, and The North Face - one of the leading brands in the world for climbing and backpacking equipment, mountaineering apparel and skiwear. The mall offers its patrons an adjacent, indoor parking lot.

Jerusalem - one of a kind

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