Temple Mount - Jerusalem
Introduction
Jerusalem is the third holiest city for Muslims behind Mecca and Medina and the Temple Mount is at the heart of it. In Muslim tradition, this is where the Prophet Mohammed made his “Night Journey”. The Temple Mount has many historical sites, but the al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock are the most important among the others.
One of the best way to see the Temple Mount and its’ structures, is to go at the the Mount of Olives. It offers wonderful views of this site, the city walls and the Bab al-Rahma Cemetery, outside the City Walls. There is a drop in the middle of the Mount of Olives and the City Walls. The valley in between them is known as the Kidron Valley. In other words, this valley separates the Mount of Olives from the Temple Mount.
Eastern Side of the Temple Mount
The residence of Imam al-Ghazali is located at the Temple Mount, very close to the Bab al-Asbat. Imam Ghazali had stayed here when he visited Jerusalem. Qanatirs on the eastern side of the Harm al-Sharif bring visitors close to the Dome of the Chain, which is located at the Temple Mount and it stands next to the Dome of the Rock.
Offices of the Islamic Auqaf, Office of the Translation and the head of the al-Aqsa Mosque are also at the Temple Mount. The Dome of St. George also known as the Dome of Khidr (Kubbat al-Khadr). This structure dates from the 16th century and it was built by the Ottomans.
Dome of the Ascension
The Dome of the Ascension is the spot where according to Muslim belief, the Prophet Muhammad prayed before his ascent to heaven. The Dome of the Ascension is located to the left and the Prayer Niche of the Prophet to the right. A Pulpit (minbar) is located to the south side of the Dome of the Rock.
