|
|
|
|
It is hard to miss the golden dome on the horizon, however finding the entrance (for non-muslim) was not easy
|
| Finally found the entrance (a bridge next to the Western Wall) First time I missed the opening times (as for all sites in Jerusalem, you need to get the time management right)
|
| Hello dear, are you here to welcome me for the visit?
|
| Inside the bridge to the temple mount. Here you can peep down to see the activities in the Western Wall below
|
|
|
|
|
|
Riot shields, I guess they are not here as part of the exhibition
|
| El-Kas fountain that was craved from a single block of stone and the El-Aqsa Mosque behind
|
| Antiquity-strewn area in front of the Museum of Islamic Art
|
| No, he was definitely not playing with his smartphone... definitely not in 2008 then
|
|
|
|
|
|
The flight of steps lead up to the platform where Dome of the Rock sits. At the top of the stairs is a free-standing arcade called qanatir.
|
| This qanatir is also known as mawazin (scales), according to the Muslim belief, on the day of the Last Judgement, the scales used by God to weigh the souls of humankind will be hung from these arches
|
| Dome of the Rock, built in AD691. was built on the very spot (foundation stone) sacred to both the Jewish and the Muslims. (where Abraham tried to sacrifice his son and also where Prophet Mohammed ascend to heaven)
|
| As one of the finest achievements of Islamic architecture, the Dome was equally impressive on the inside (go and check out the pictures in the internet)
|
|