Culture: The Holy Land

A Port City on the Shore of Eternity

Jerusalem is a holy site for all three Abrahamic faiths, and more than 3.5 million tourists visit the spiritual city every year. The Israeli capital is home to Temple Mount, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Dome of the Rock or Al-Aqsa Mosque, Western Wall, Via Dolorosa and Hurva Synagogue, playing a central role in the spiritual and emotional perspective of the three major monotheistic religions. For Jews, it is the focus of age-old yearnings, a living proof of ancient times and independence. For Muslims, it is the goal of the Prophet Muhammad’s mystic night journey and the site of one of Islam’s most sacred shrines. And for Christians, it is the connection to Jesus, his agony and triumph, where millions every year come together for the Orthodox Easter to witness the Holy Fire.

Jerusalem was founded as the City of David in 1010 BCE, but there’s evidence of settlements there going back all the way to 4500 BCE. Jewish people have continuously lived in Jerusalem for more than 3,000 years and over 100 battles have been fought over the course of its history. The spiritual walls of the city are around 4 km long, 12 meters tall, and 2 meters thick. There are 34 watchtowers and 7 gates for traffic. Municipal law requires all structures to be covered in Jerusalem stone, preserving the historical look of the city, and having over 2,000 active archaeological sites. Going deeper into the heritage, Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives the oldest active burial site in the world and is home to more than 150,000 Jewish graves.

“Jerusalem is recognized as the holiest city in the world.”

Jerusalem is recognized as the holiest city in the world, therefore, it is an essential part of a whopping 60 museums and 70 cultural centers with exhibits that include both ancient and modern art, poetry and literature, playing a significant role in the cultural heritage as well. The Israel Museum is the country’s national museum which holds an extensive collections of Judaica, ethnography, fine art, artifacts from Africa, North and South America, Oceania and the Far East, archeology, rare manuscripts, ancient glass as well as sculpture. Furthermore, there is a uniquely designed building on the grounds of the museum, the Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls and artifacts discovered on Masada.

Although Jerusalem is known for being ancient, it was also named one of the world’s fastest-growing high-tech hubs in 2015! Additionally, Jerusalem hosts more than 30 annual festivals from opera to film, books, and even wine tasting. This holy city leaves no one indifferent as its cultural baggage is a world-wide phenomenon. Neil Armstrong once said during his visit, “I am more excited stepping on these stones than I was stepping on the moon,” and he had all the reasons for it.

By: Mina Vučić

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