Al Aqsa Mosque
The Al-Aqsa Mosque is considered the third most important shrine of Islam; Muslims from all over the world dream of visiting it. This is the second of the built "dwellings of Allah", which is recognized as a blessed place in Jerusalem. It is located on the Temple Mount in Israel. With a length of 80 meters, the width of the building is 55 meters. Up to 5 thousand believers can be here at a time. But a representative of another religion or an atheist can enter the temple; it is important to observe a few simple conditions that do not hurt the feelings of believers.
Basic information
The Jerusalem shrine has a rich history. Al-Aqsa Mosque was originally a small house of worship built in the 7th century. The name translated from Arabic means “distant mosque”. Muslims have no doubt that Muhammad traveled from Mecca to this place before ascending to heaven.
Caliph Abdul Malik ibn Marwan decided to enlarge the Al-Aqsa Mosque because it could no longer accommodate everyone who wanted to pray. Their number grew larger and larger over time. The work dragged on for several years. They ended under the heir to the caliph Al-Walid in 705. In 746 the temple was destroyed by an earthquake. The shrine was rebuilt. The reconstruction was completed only in 780, but then a new earthquake occurred. The mosque built in the 11th century has survived to this day.
Architectural features
The inside of the Al-Aqsa Mosque is lined with mosaics. The outside was sheathed with sheets of gray lead. The bottom walls are decorated with white marble slabs, and the top walls are decorated with mosaic patterns. The hemisphere of the dome rises 17 meters above the floor. Inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque there are naves and galleries. The central gallery is supported by arched ceilings and columns. You can enter the mosque from 4 entrances, established according to Muslim customs. Before entering, be sure to take off your shoes.
All people can visit the Al-Aqsa Mosque, regardless of whether they profess Islam or not. You just need to dress modestly, not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages, it is important to respect the feelings of believers. You can get to the Temple Mount by bus No. 1, 3, 43.
