Golden Gate
The Temple Mount has a long and complex history, spanning thousands of years and multiple civilizations, each leaving its mark on the site.
The Golden Gate, also known as Sha'ar HaRachamim (Gate of Mercy) in Hebrew and Bab al-Rahma in Arabic, is one of the most historically and religiously significant gates of Jerusalem’s Old City. Located on the eastern wall of the Temple Mount (Al-Haram al-Sharif), it is unique among the ancient gates as it has remained sealed for centuries. The gate holds profound significance in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, with each faith attributing different religious and eschatological meanings to it.
The Golden Gate is believed to date back to the Byzantine period (circa 6th–7th century CE), though some scholars suggest that it may incorporate elements from the Second Temple period (circa 516 BCE–70 CE). It consists of two arched entrances, traditionally called the Gate of Mercy (southern arch) and the Gate of Repentance (northern arch). The gate's current form is thought to have been built by the Byzantines and later reconstructed or modified by early Islamic rulers. It was sealed shut by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1541 CE, reportedly to prevent the prophesied arrival of the Jewish Messiah, who, according to tradition, would enter Jerusalem through this gate.
Golden Gate of the Temple Mount (left). al-Aqsa Mosque (right).
Situated at the center of the eastern wall of the Temple Mount, the Golden Gate directly faces the Mount of Olives, a location of deep religious significance. In Jewish eschatology, it is believed that the Messiah will pass through this gate to enter the Temple Mount, marking the beginning of the redemption and resurrection of the dead. The gate's proximity to the Kidron Valley, which contains ancient Jewish burial sites, further reinforces its messianic associations. For Christians, the Golden Gate is linked to Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, as described in the New Testament (Matthew 21:1-10, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19). In Islamic tradition, the gate is known as Bab al-Rahma (Gate of Mercy) and is associated with acts of divine compassion and mercy. It is also believed to be one of the locations where the final judgment will take place on the Day of Resurrection.
The exterior of the Golden Gate features two large, blocked-up arches framed by carved stone decorations. The gate is built using massive ashlar stones, some of which may date to earlier periods. The structure integrates architectural elements from the Byzantine, Umayyad, and Ottoman periods, reflecting the various rulers who controlled Jerusalem over the centuries. The gate is positioned directly above an ancient passageway that once connected the eastern entrance to the Temple complex.
The interior of the gate includes a chamber with two domed ceilings, supported by thick stone pillars. The room, which was used for various religious purposes in different periods, remains accessible from within the Temple Mount. In the medieval Islamic period, the space inside the gate was used as a madrasah (religious school) and later as a prayer hall. Today, the interior remains a focal point for religious activity, with the Bab al-Rahma prayer hall serving as a place of worship for Muslims.
The sealing of the Golden Gate by the Ottomans in the 16th century CE was part of their broader fortification efforts in Jerusalem. According to legend, the closure was an attempt to prevent the fulfillment of Jewish messianic prophecies. Additionally, a Muslim cemetery was established in front of the gate, possibly as an extra measure to deter the entrance of the Jewish Messiah, based on the belief that a priestly figure would not pass through a burial ground. This, however is more of a tale told by the guides to tousits. the The gate has remained closed ever since, except for brief periods when it was reopened by various groups.
In recent years, the Golden Gate has been at the center of religious and political tensions. Jewish groups seek access to the gate due to its messianic significance, while Muslim authorities consider it an integral part of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. In 2019, after decades of closure, the Bab al-Rahma prayer hall inside the gate was reopened by Muslim worshippers, leading to heightened tensions between religious and political authorities. Despite its contested status, the Golden Gate remains one of the most symbolically charged and historically rich sites in Jerusalem’s Old City, embodying the city’s layered history and religious complexity.
