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The Dome of the Rock, which is prominent for Muslims as the location where the prophet Muhammad was believed to have journeyed to heaven, is located above the Western Wall. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a short distance away. Some people think that Jesus was crucified and buried here. A tour is among the greatest ways to visit the Old City. To get the complete experience, think about taking the Half-Day Old City Tour or the Jerusalem Day Tour.
HISTORY OF THE OLD CITY
According to biblical history, the Temple Mount in the center of the Ancient City is the exact same location where Abraham almost offered Isaac as a sacrifice in the bible account, suggesting that the Old City of Jerusalem may be as old as the universe itself.
Since then, it has served as the backdrop for numerous biblical scenes: the Dome of the Rock, one of Islam’s holiest sites where it is believed that Muhammad attained Heaven; Golgotha, the site of the alleged crucifixion of Jesus Christ, now revered inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcre; the ancient Jewish temples of 2000 years ago, of which only the Western Wall, the last remnant of the second temple, remains today; and countless other amazing locations.
Although the Old City’s construction and layout are somewhat more contemporary by today’s standards, it is nonetheless quite old. Around 500 years ago, under Jerusalem’s Ottoman rule, the walls were constructed, and they are still in place today.
THE CHRISTIAN AND ARMENIAN QUARTERS
There is still another difference as you enter the Old City of Jerusalem’s Christian Quarter. In the streets of this city, which has over 40 Christian holy places, you will meet priests and tourists from all over the world. This region grew up around the Holy Sepulchre Church.
It is claimed that Jesus was crucified and buried here. Even the Church is unable to determine who owns this desirable real estate. Different Christian sects are in charge of overseeing various components of the building, and there are sometimes disagreements about upkeep and the state of particular components.
The Armenian Quarter is the smallest section of the Old City. Around 2,500 Armenians live in this region; they are a long-established population with more than 2,000 years.
One of the most unique sites on Earth is the Old City of Jerusalem. This one-kilometer square in the middle of Jerusalem is beyond description and cannot be ignored; it is the core of the Jewish, Islamic, and Christian religions. The Western Wall is located in the Old City (aka Wailing Wall and in Hebrew Kotel). This is the last wall that still exists from the Jewish Temple. For Jews today, it is the holiest place on earth.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE OLD CITY
The Old City of Jerusalem is divided into four sections: the Jewish, Armenian, Christian, and Muslim neighborhoods. There are seven entry points into the walled city, but the Jaffa Gate is the busiest for tourists and is right near to the Tower of David Museum, which provides information on Jerusalem’s history inside the Old City Walls. The ambiance, perceptions, sights, scents, and feelings that are exclusive to each quarter are different.
THE MUSLIM QUARTER
Compared to the Jewish Quarter, the Muslim Quarter is a stark contrast. More vendors are selling a wider range of goods on its busier, more congested streets, particularly in the renowned Shuk. In the Shuk, which is a real 21st-century version of an old shopping mall, one may practice bargaining and purchase nearly anything conceivable, in contrast to the other neighborhoods where businesses are often selling religious or tourist-attractive goods.
In the Muslim Quarter, like in the Jewish Quarter and the rest of the Old City, tourists roaming the streets have a difficult time picturing how the people go about their daily lives in such a calm manner in such a charged environment.
While guys smoke nargila outside of cafés, children play in the street (hookah or shisha). It’s also noteworthy to note that the Little Western Wall, which is located in the Muslim Quarter, is there. This is the point where the wall is once again exposed and clear. Because it is closer to the “Holy of Holies,” which is the holiest area of the Temple, this recognizable segment of the wall may be even more significant than the Western Wall.
The Western Wall Plaza is surrounded by the Dome of the Rock. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the building itself, although they are welcome to visit the surrounding area and Al-Aqsa Mosque. We strongly advise taking a guided trip to see the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock.
THE JEWISH QUARTER
As you approach the Western Wall Plaza and the wall itself, the winding lanes of the Jewish Quarter widen. The wall may be busier than ever during times when there are Jewish holidays. It’s an amazing sight to watch the visitors brushing by the daily prayers here. Men and women have distinct spaces, but anybody can approach the wall. Women should dress modestly, and males should cover their heads (paper kippahs are provided). It is common to tuck a little prayer on some paper into a wall crevice. Amazingly, just a little portion of this height of the Temple is represented by the enormous Western Wall.