Jerusalem
Jerusalem is a city of profound historical, religious, and political significance, located in the Levant region of the Middle East. It serves as the capital of Israel, although this status is not universally recognized internationally, with many countries maintaining their embassies in Tel Aviv instead.
History
- Ancient Times: Jerusalem's history dates back over 5,000 years. It was first mentioned in written records by the Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose III around 14th century BCE as "Urusalim."
- Israelite Conquest: According to biblical tradition, King David captured Jerusalem from the Jebusites and made it the capital of the United Kingdom of Israel around 1000 BCE. His son, Solomon, built the First Temple here.
- Periods of Foreign Rule: Over the centuries, Jerusalem has been conquered, destroyed, and rebuilt numerous times by various powers including the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Muslims, Crusaders, Ayyubids, Mamluks, Ottomans, and British.
- Modern Era: After the First World War, Jerusalem came under British Mandate. Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the city was divided between Israel and Jordan until the Six-Day War in 1967, when Israel captured East Jerusalem, including the Old City.
Religious Significance
- Judaism: Jerusalem is considered the holiest city in Judaism, the site of the Temple Mount where both Temples stood.
- Christianity: For Christians, Jerusalem is significant as the place where Jesus Christ preached, was crucified, and resurrected. Key sites include the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
- Islam: Jerusalem is the third holiest city in Islam after Mecca and Medina. The Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock are located on the Temple Mount, known in Islam as Al-Haram al-Sharif.
Current Status
Jerusalem remains a focal point for conflict due to its holy sites and its political status. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has centered around issues of sovereignty, control over Jerusalem, and the rights of access to religious sites. International law views East Jerusalem as occupied territory, with the United Nations Security Council having passed multiple resolutions addressing the status of Jerusalem.
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