Temple Mount

The Temple Mount, known in Jewish tradition as Har haBayit and in Islamic tradition as al-Haram al-Sharif or al-Aqsa Mosque, is a hill in the Old City of Jerusalem that holds profound religious and historical significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is considered the holiest site in Judaism, as it was the location of the two ancient Temples of Jerusalem. In Islam, it is revered as the "Noble Sanctuary" and is believed to be the site of Prophet Muhammad's ascension into heaven.

Historical and Religious Importance

According to Jewish tradition, the First Temple was built by King Solomon in the 10th century BCE and was destroyed by the Neo-Babylonian Empire in 587 BCE. The Second Temple was constructed in 516 BCE and later renovated by Herod the Great before its destruction by the Roman Empire in 70 CE. Orthodox Judaism anticipates the rebuilding of a third and final Temple on this site with the coming of the Messiah. Jewish people often face the Temple Mount during prayer, and many hold the site in such high sanctity that they avoid walking on it to prevent unintentional desecration.

In Islam, the site is considered the second mosque mentioned in the Quran and one of Islam's three holiest sites. The Quranic account of Muhammad's Night Journey describes his travel from Mecca to this "farthest mosque" (al-Masjid al-Aqṣā) and his subsequent ascent to heaven. The compound today features the al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, both major Islamic landmarks.

Structures and Administration

The present-day site is a large, flat plaza created by Herod the Great, who expanded the natural plateau by constructing massive retaining walls. This platform, measuring approximately 150,000 square meters, is flanked by these walls, including the renowned Western Wall on its southern western side. The Islamic compound, known as al-Aqsa, includes the al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, both built following the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem in 637 CE. The site has been managed by the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf since the Crusades. Following the Six-Day War in 1967, its administration was returned to the Waqf under Jordanian custodianship, while Israel maintains security control.

Terminology and Recognition

The name of the site is a subject of dispute, particularly between Jewish and Muslim communities, reflecting the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While "Temple Mount" is common in Jewish and Western contexts, "al-Haram al-Sharif" or "al-Aqsa Mosque" is used in Muslim contexts. UNESCO has listed the Old City of Jerusalem as a World Heritage Site, and in resolutions concerning the site, has primarily used its Muslim name, a decision that has led to strong reactions from Israel, which views it as an omission of Jewish ties to the location.