al-Aqsa Mosque
The Temple Mount has a long and complex history, spanning thousands of years and multiple civilizations, each leaving its mark on the site.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the most significant religious and historical landmarks in Islam, located within the Al-Haram al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary) in Jerusalem. It is the third holiest site in Islam, after Mecca and Medina, and holds deep spiritual, historical, and political importance. The name "Al-Aqsa" means "The Farthest Mosque," referring to its association with the Isra and Mi‘raj, the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey and ascension to heaven, as described in Islamic tradition. Though often mistaken for the Dome of the Rock, which is also within the same complex, Al-Aqsa is a distinct structure primarily used as a place of worship for Muslims.
The mosque has undergone multiple expansions, renovations, and reconstructions due to earthquakes, conquests, and political changes. Originally built in the 7th century CE during the Umayyad Caliphate, the mosque was part of the early Islamic efforts to establish Jerusalem as a religious center. Over time, it was modified by subsequent dynasties, including the Abbasids, Fatimids, Ayyubids, Mamluks, Ottomans, and modern custodians. During the Crusader period, it was briefly converted into a palace and later a headquarters for the Knights Templar, before being restored as a mosque by Salah al-Din in the 12th century CE. Today, Al-Aqsa remains at the center of religious and political tensions, often becoming a focal point of disputes between different communities and authorities.
Golden Gate of the Temple Mount (left). al-Aqsa Mosque (right).
The mosque is located at the southern end of the Temple Mount, an area revered by all Abrahamic faiths. This elevated compound, known as Al-Haram al-Sharif, also contains other significant structures, including the Dome of the Rock, the Chain Gate Minaret, and various madrasas and Islamic monuments. Historically, the site is believed to have housed the First and Second Jewish Temples, making it a deeply contested location in Jewish and Islamic traditions. Today, it falls under the custodianship of Jordan’s Waqf and remains a place of daily prayer, religious gatherings, and major Islamic festivals.
The exterior of Al-Aqsa Mosque reflects a combination of Umayyad, Abbasid, Fatimid, and Mamluk architectural influences. It features a large silver-colored dome, in contrast to the golden dome of the Dome of the Rock, and a broad façade with arched entrances. The structure has undergone numerous restorations, and its exterior showcases intricate stone carvings, inscriptions, and mosaic work from various periods. The mosque complex includes four minarets, built between the 13th and 15th centuries CE, which serve as traditional points for the call to prayer.
The interior is defined by a large hypostyle prayer hall, supported by colonnades of marble and stone pillars. The ceiling is decorated with intricate wooden panels and chandeliers, while the walls contain Islamic calligraphy, mosaics, and historical inscriptions. The mihrab (prayer niche) and minbar (pulpit) stand as focal points of the mosque’s interior, with the minbar originally crafted under Nur al-Din and later rebuilt after being destroyed in a fire. The mosque can accommodate thousands of worshippers and is particularly significant during Ramadan and Friday prayers, when large congregations gather for religious observance.
Beyond its architectural and religious importance, Al-Aqsa has played a major role in Islamic history and identity. It has been a center for Islamic scholarship, political authority, and cultural heritage for over 1,300 years. It remains a symbol of Palestinian national identity and is frequently at the heart of disputes over control of Jerusalem’s holy sites. Despite its turbulent history, Al-Aqsa continues to be a place of devotion, attracting pilgrims and scholars from around the world while standing as a testament to the rich Islamic heritage of Jerusalem.
