Religious Influence
Jerusalem is one of the most religiously important cities in the entire world. Jewish people, Muslims, and Christians all have religious connections to Jerusalem . Many people from these religions make pilgrimages to the city to see the holy sites.
Christians are connected to Jerusalem through Jesus. Many important events in his life happened there, including his crucifixion and his resurrection. The Last Supper also is said to have happened in the Holy City. In Jerusalem, churches did not appear until 200 CE. Before then, people had held services in secret in their homes because Christianity was illegal at the time. During the Byzantine Empire, most churches were basilicas, which are longitudinal structures. They had a central aisle called a nave, an apse area containing an alter, and a three-paneled screen with icons on it called an iconostasis (Ardito, 23) (Website 3).
Christians are connected to Jerusalem through Jesus. Many important events in his life happened there, including his crucifixion and his resurrection. The Last Supper also is said to have happened in the Holy City. In Jerusalem, churches did not appear until 200 CE. Before then, people had held services in secret in their homes because Christianity was illegal at the time. During the Byzantine Empire, most churches were basilicas, which are longitudinal structures. They had a central aisle called a nave, an apse area containing an alter, and a three-paneled screen with icons on it called an iconostasis (Ardito, 23) (Website 3).
Basilica
Many important events in the Old Testament also happened in Jerusalem, so Jews feel that the city is very important, too. In 1000 BCE, David united the Hebrew tribes of Israel and Judah and made Jerusalem his capital. Over time, two Jewish temples were built. The western wall of the second temple (which was destroyed by Romans in 70 CE)is the most sacred Jewish site. The architecture of synagogues usually reflect the architecture of the surrounding community. Although they all look different on the outside, most synagogues are very similar on the inside. They all have an ark placed against the wall facing Jerusalem, and eternal light called the ner tamid, and a platform at the front called a bimah (Ardito, 21) (Website 3).
Inside a Synagogue
Muslims all think of Jerusalem as an important Holy destination. In fact, Jerusalem is the third holiest city after Mecca and Medina. Muhammad is said to have ascended to the heavens from a rock in the city, too. Mosques may look slightly different from each other, but they all share most of the same characteristics. The most important feature of any mosque is the mihrab, the niche that tells the direction of Mecca. They also have a minbar (which is similar to a Christian pulpit), a dome covering the prayer hall, and a minaret that is used as a platform for the call to prayer (Ardito, 25) (Website 3).
Mosque
