Al Aqsa Mosque
The Al-Aqsa Mosque is considered the third most important shrine of Islam, and Muslims from all over the world dream of visiting it. This is the second of the erected "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 5,000 believers can stay 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. Initially, the Al-Aqsa Mosque was a small prayer house built in the 7th century. The name means "distant mosque" in Arabic. Muslims have no doubt that Muhammad was transported from Mecca to this place before he ascended 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 more and more over time. The work dragged on for several years. They ended already under the successor of the Caliph Al-Walid in 705. In 746, the temple was destroyed by an earthquake. The shrine was being rebuilt. Perestroika was completed only in 780, but then a new earthquake occurred. Nowadays, the mosque, created in the XI century, has been preserved.
Architectural features
The inside of the Al-Aqsa Mosque is lined with mosaics. The exterior was sheathed with sheets of gray lead. The walls are decorated with white marble slabs from below, and mosaic patterns are depicted at the top of the walls. The dome's hemisphere rises 17 meters above the floor. There are naves and galleries inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The central gallery is supported by arched ceilings and columns. You can enter the mosque from 4 entrances, installed according to Muslim customs. Before entering, it is necessary to take off your shoes.
All people can visit the Al-Aqsa Mosque, regardless of whether they profess Islam or not. It is only necessary to dress modestly, not to smoke or drink alcoholic beverages, it is important to respect the feelings of believers. The Temple Mount can be reached by bus No. 1, 3, 43.
