-While Jerusalem is a stand alone city, it has fallen under the umbrella of Egypt for part of history and that keeps the question alive today. Find a short explanation of how this has occurred and how it affects the area today.
The city of Jerusalem has long been fought over and through its entire history has been wanted by more than one country. It has led to significant unrest, changing of hands, and wars over its ownership. It has frequently been divided between two different countries, and now stands unified in a moment of peace over who rules it.
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Past Rulers of Egypt
As a holy city, many religious countries have vied for ownership and control of Jerusalem, and it has changed hands many times over the years. Often the same countries competing for Jerusalem where also fighting for control of Palestine, beginning with the Zionists and Palestinian Arabs. In 1948 it was divided into Israeli and Jordanian sectors, after which it was declared the capital of Israel. Against pushback throughout the 1960s and 70s, Israel declared Jerusalem to be their capital, while bot Palestine and Israel have in later years both claimed it as their own capital. On the world stage it is currently considered to be part of Israel, while Palestine continues to claim control over areas of the city.
Religions of Jerusalem
The religions found within the city are a key part of its history and why it is wanted by so many surrounding countries. The Jewish population have a deep routed history with Jerusalem and consider it living proof of the renaissance. They consider it to be an important city for religious purposes and it is full of religious relics. Christianity considers it a key location due to the ties to Jesus and his life and death. For them it is an important location that has changed and created their religion as it is today. Some of the most important shrines of Islam are found within the city, and Muslims still use it as a site for pilgrimage and devotion. Several religions are now seen throughout the city, as well as throughout Egypt, while the main three are both the most common and the most recognized.
For any religious travelers there are many synagogues, churches, mosques, and architectural examples. Many of these are operational and hold regular services, allowing both the residents of the city as well as any tourists or visitors to continue their regular attendance during their stay.
With such strong ties with the world’s top religions, the city remains a holy place for many people and this focus brings many to the area each year. Both tourists that are looking for an experience full of history and artifacts, and religious tourists are drawn to the area, making tourism and important factor in the economy as well as the culture.
Views of Jerusalem
The way in which the city is situated and the area that it covers are also key to the affect on the surrounding countries. It is located in an ideal spot for there to be easy access from several directions, as well as covering a large area of land. The most important draw is the positioning and the religious significance, but other factors do play a part.
Within the city there are pink stones used to build many of the buildings. The sunlight reflecting off them creates a beautiful hue even for the most basic of buildings and designs. The decadent buildings that house the most important locations and gathering spots are worth the traveling to experience. Church bells are still located throughout the city and can be heard often. Several areas of the city do not allow vehicles, and the foot traffic only changes the way that the area feels, how people interact with each other and the city, and the way that people move around.
Designated as the World Heritage Site the Old City is a historical area that is now protected from many updates and changes. As this was not always the case there was years of destruction, many religious buildings were renovated or destroyed, and the alterations are easily seen today. This designation allows for vehicles to remain restricted or banned throughout the section of the city, where people will maintain their way of life well into the future. It also protects the historical sites, religious displays, and roadways from changes that will affect it permanently, and encourages only necessary repairs. Outside of this part of the city, it appears as many others with high rises, regular traffic, schools and other services, and updated and modern buildings for all. The Old city is around 1 square km and remains the heart of the city as the modern areas build up around it.
Looking down from the city at its highest elevation of 785 meters, it is easy to see the Dead Sea, the Jordan River, mountains, and down to the Mediterranean Sea. The surrounding waters provide a lot of rain in the winter, while there are dry, hot summers. The high sun in the summer increases temperatures while also limiting the amount of shade that is to found, keeping people warm throughout the season. The height of the location also helps to reduce the air pollution that is seen, as it rises above the level at which it usually gathers and clean air is the result.
Must See Architecture of Jerusalem
The stark contrast of the Old city and the new modern builds creates a varied and interesting combination within the city of Jerusalem. It meets the needs of all its residents as well as visitors and those on pilgrimage with modern luxuries and traditional buildings going back through 1538 and even longer. The city wall was created in 1538 and remains standing, having been built on top of already existing foundations from other walls, many of which go back as far as the crusades. Seven gates allow entrance from the new areas to the Old City through the wall including New, Damascus, Harod’s, St Stephen’s, Dung, Zion, and Jaffa, which provide entrances from each direction and the Golden gate which remains sealed. Easily seen from within the wall are the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which raise above surrounding buildings and draw the attention of those who pass. Next to Jaffa Gate, The Citadel is located and has been since the 16th century, and it draws a significant amount of attention from anyone who travels to the city.
Some of the top sites to see, and reasons people travel to visit, and part of the reasons the city is in such demand, are religious based. The Old City with the Dome of the Rock and Temple Mount draw pilgrimages every year. The tower of David and the Western Wall are religious sites that are well attended and known around the world. Areas such as Zion Square, Chords Bridge, and Mamilla Mall are all more modern in appearance and are found outside of the Old City.
Who Controls the City of Jerusalem Now
Peace was created between Egypt, Palestine, and Israel, and maintained a precarious balance through the early 2000s. During the following years the two countries created a partnership that will help them to strategically move each of the countries forward and remove the threat of war or battle over the city. The cooperation allows for peace in the area, and as they work together for the betterment of the entire area, they will be able to share and exchange resources, support each other in their population growth, and allow safe travel between the countries.
Jerusalem has been fought over for hundreds of years and its history is rich in religious occurrences and sites for three of the world’s top religions. This makes it valuable to many countries not only due to its resources and location but it’s importance to their culture and religions. As a tourism destination it provides all accommodations, and the economy often relies on tourism of all types to maintain employment levels and bring more money into the economy. While often still in dispute, Egypt’s claim on the city has expired, while Palestine and Israel have declared ownership of the city over the past centuries, and currently remain in peace over the matter. This peace has lasted for several decades but may break at any point in time, as it remains an uneasy agreement, and their partnership is still developing.
