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In the Esplanade of the Mosques of Jerusalem is the Dome of the Rock, a sacred Islamic temple that gets its name from the sacred rock that is inside. The history of this rock is different according to the Hebrew and Muslim religions. Next, we learn more about the origins of the Dome of the Rock and its importance in the Holy Land.
According to Jewish tradition, this ancient rock is the surface on which Abraham was to sacrifice his son Isaac, the place where Jacob saw the stairway to heaven and where the heart of the temple in Jerusalem is located. For Muslims it is the rock from which the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven accompanied by the Archangel Gabriel. Therefore, it is a sacred place and revered by Muslims although the rest of the people do not have the forbidden passage to its interior as is the case with the rock of Mecca.
Origins of the Dome of the Rock
There are two versions of the construction of the Dome of the Rock. Both maintain that the person responsible for its construction was the Caliph Abd al-Malik and that it was carried out between the years 687 and 691 AD. However, the reasons that led the ruler to order its construction differ in the two versions.
The first version tells that the caliph wished that the Muslims could have a space to gather to meditate without having to go to Mecca, which at that time was under the command of Ibn al-Zubair one of al-Malik's enemies.
The second version says that the Caliph Abd al-Malik wanted to reinforce the superiority of Islam over the other two religions of the Holy Land, so he built a temple that would be a spiritual symbol and an architectural gem. Finally the Dome of the Rock, which became one of the fundamental pillars of the Islamic faith.
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The Dome of the Rock as a monument
For the decoration of the temple al Malik he employed a group of Syrian masters who were the best of the time. This influence can be seen in the sumptuous ornaments and interior decorations. In fact, the Dome of the Rock marked the architecture of that stage to a great extent, since from its construction, other monuments were based on its style.
The Dome of the Rock has remained unchanged for over thirteen centuries, which is why it is one of the most valuable architectural treasures in the world. The octagonal shapes of the design symbolize the union of earth and sky and the pillars, columns and arches give off order and peace. The dome, which stands 30 meters above the sacred stone, conveys a great majesty thanks to the gold plate that it presents on the outside. In addition, it is decorated with verses from the Qur'an.
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Access to the Dome of the Rock
From the square where the Wailing Wall is located, you can access the Esplanade of the Mosques and the Dome of the Rock, built on the remains of the ancient temple of Jerusalem. To enter you can find certain restrictions on both hours and security, so if you want to visit it it is important that you inform yourself a day before about this or even the same day. At the indicated time they open doors and the passage of people is slow as visitors are checked to the smallest detail.
The Jerusalem Esplanade is known as Al-Haram ash-Sharif in the Muslim community. To access from one sector to another a ramp to the esplanade has been built. From there you have privileged views of the Wailing Wall, both from the feminine and the masculine side. This part is closely guarded to prevent terrorist attacks from both sides.
Next to the Dome of the Rock with its golden cupola, at the southern end of the esplanade of the mosques is the silver-domed Al-Aqsa Mosque (built by the Umayyads and completed in 710 AD) and next to the Dome of the Rock is the Dome of the Chain.