Jerusalem Travel Notes: Fascinating Al-Aqsa Mosque!

The walls have a length of 4 kilometers around the old Jerusalem.. You can often see watchtowers on the walls with an average height of 12 meters.

Gündüz Yafa Street and the Jerusalem Walls Appearing at the End

New Gate

Of course, there are also gates built to reach inside these walls.. I will talk about these as and when I come across them, first I come across the New Gate.

As you can see from the name, this is the last gate built in Jerusalem, that is, the newest one.. Sultan 2. It was built by Abdülhamit in 1887.. The door opens to the Christian Quarter in the northwest of the old city.

I continue to move south from the side of the walls, with the darkness the huge walls of the old city seem more majestic. Now, there is another important gate of Jerusalem, Jaffa.

The End of Jaffa Street / The Walls of Jerusalem and the New Gate in Appearance

The Jaffa Gate

The Jaffa Gate is again from the Ottoman period, this is one of the eight gates of the city. 17. The end of the road from the port of Jaffa ended here in the 16th century.

This is the most actively used door today, and its entrance is quite imposing.. When entering the old city from Jaffa, I don’t feel bad, one feels like entering a magical world.

Jerusalem Walls and Jaffa Gate

Jerusalem Old City

Now I’m inside the walls, my face has changed in an instant. I came from modern Jerusalem to the streets smelling of history. While the first buildings I saw surprisingly offer a mixture of history and contemporary elements, it’s like I’m going back to Ottoman times when I go a little further !

Maybe I wouldn’t be so impressed if it was daytime, the reflections from the stoned roads between the narrow streets. the lights are amazing. After a few hundred meters, he won’t be able to notice it day or night

Moving on in the Old City Area

Grand Bazaars of Jerusalem

Yes, it doesn’t matter day and night in Jerusalem, because Most of the streets of the old city are underground!. I didn’t say for nothing that I was in the Ottoman Period, this place is very familiar to us, Find out three differences with the Grand Bazaar, let’s see from the photos

Masjid al-Aqsa, one of the three holy places accepted by Islam, together with the Prophet’s Mosque and the Kaaba The most important feature for Muslims is that this is the first Qibla of Islam.. In the first year of the Hijra, Muslims prayed for 16 months. It was placed in honor of being the farthest mosque from Mecca.. 1 of Surah Isra in the Qur’an.

Masjid al-Aqsa

It is not known exactly when Masjid al-Aqsa was built for the first time.. Hz. According to the conclusions reached from the hadiths of Muhammad, it was built 40 years after the Kaaba and became the second place of worship of Islam. damaged and restored many times. The mosque, which was under Ottoman rule for centuries, is in the middle of a serious political conflict between the states of Palestine, Jordan and Israel today. It has such an elegant and at the same time simple appearance that it will take you back centuries.

Interior of Masjid al-Aqsa and its Remarkable Ceilings

You can easily see the traces of Arab and African culture of the years when Islam emerged. Add details from the Ottoman period on it, here is a beautiful temple for you.

The interior structure of Masjid al-Aqsa is as impressive as its exterior.. An enormous space fortified with gigantic columns, far from the concept of a large domed mosque that we are used to.. The embroideries and tiles on the ceiling look perfect.

I’m going out again. The “Temple Mount”, which houses the Masjid al-Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock, is a very large area. You can find different details that might interest you in this area surrounded by a mini wall, historical fountains are just a few of them.

There is something I want to add at this point.. According to the belief of some, the area called Temples Hill is the courtyard of Masjid al-Aqsa, and the mosque that I introduced as Masjid al-Aqsa is the Qibla Masjid.. It is possible to come across conflicting information on this subject, and I am not qualified to decide on this.

But as my personal opinion, there is only one mosque in both beliefs, whether it is an outer courtyard or not. , and that is Masjid al-Aqsa, which I introduced to you.

Daytime Masjid al-Aqsa and I

Conditions for Visiting Masjid al-Aqsa

Masjid al-Aqsa and Dome of the Rock- There are also a few notes for those who will visit the base-Saharan. Only Muslims can visit this area, located southeast of the old city of Jerusalem. Israeli soldiers standing at the gates leading to the courtyard may ask you to check ID and prove that you are Muslim.

This Our old-style ID cards are very useful in the back section The soldiers who see Islam in the religion section behind it usually allow you to enter without asking anything else.

One of the Doors That Begins the Zone Where Muslims Can Enter / From Inside

Of course, I wasn’t always this lucky! Be sure of your religious knowledge when visiting Masjid al-Aqsa. They may ask you to read important suras, especially Fatiha, or to bring the Word of Shahada.. It is true that I had to read Fatiha once

Actually, those who read my article completely understood, but I want to repeat it clearly.. Whatever your political debates and opinions, there is a fact that this region is under Israeli control in 2019, legitimate or not.. That’s why Israeli soldiers are the ones checking in.

Returning to My Hostel / The Narrow Streets of Jerusalem

There are limited visiting hours for non-Muslims. I don’t think we will have a problem with this.. It’s okay to have a bag on your back at the entrance to the area!

It’s already 9 in the evening.. It started to rain lightly, I’m returning to my hostel from the narrow streets of Jerusalem with stony stairs. I have a room suitable for the atmosphere of the city, I fall asleep soon.

The End of the First Day in Jerusalem / Dome of the Rock

A Rainy Jerusalem Morning

Tuesday, 13 February . I wake up early in the morning in Jerusalem. The early bird gets the better of me in this city! Since I think most of the places I plan to visit will be more secluded in the morning hours, I take to the streets early.

There is heavy rain outside, it’s like emptying! Is it possible to set off without looking at the weather forecast? I am ready for all conditions with my portable umbrella and raincoat that I brought with me

Early Mornings in Jerusalem

I see Jerusalem for the first time in daylight, it’s as if I woke up from the mystical atmosphere of the evening and came to the middle ages. When the rain added to the historical streets of the city, the streets are empty, everywhere is mine.

GPS alone is not enough to find your way in Jerusalem. I told you that the streets are sometimes covered and passed through tunnels.. Fortunately, these sections have signposts indicating directions to important points. Those who go to Venice will know, as there are directions for San Marco and Rialto there, so are here.

The Lutheran Church I Came across on My Way to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Church of the Holy Sepulcher

First visit today The place I want to visit Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Since it’s only a few hundred meters from my hostel, I can easily reach the church by signposts without getting too wet.

The entrance to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher looks like it came straight out of a fantasy adventure movie. Or it’s like when you get to the door, you can save the game. I have never been in such an atmospheric city before, I don’t know if such a city exists anyway.

Entrance to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Church of the Holy Sepulcher, also called the Church of the Resurrection by the Orthodox, most important point for. Structure 4. It was built in the century. It will not be difficult for you to understand how old it is.

The church, Hz.. It is a very revered spot for Christians as it is believed to be on the hill where Jesus was crucified.. It is also believed that the tomb of Jesus Christ is here and he will be resurrected here.. All this has made the church a pilgrimage site for Christians.

Interior of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher

You can visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher from the early morning hours, as it is actively open for worship, inside The entrance is free.

The church is so lost among the ground-to-bottom buildings of Jerusalem that the view I see as soon as I enter is quite surprising.. Even for me, who knows and is used to important churches in Europe, it has an impressive atmosphere, its dome and engravings are eye-catching.

Descending into the Tunnels of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher

What makes the church belong to Jerusalem is the tunnels. Jerusalem. You must be ready for the tunnels, passages and the underground world in You can freely visit these tunnels in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.. In the tunnels, you can observe the remains of the sacred hill that I mentioned when introducing the church.

As I approach the exit door, I encounter the symbolic colossal tomb of Jesus Christ. Although there are no elements belonging to our own religion, it has an appearance that raises mystical feelings in people.. It is a wonderful experience to observe the Christians who go into the grave and pray.

. The Symbolic Tomb of Jesus

Christian Quarter

I’m going out, the rain has lightened a little. This area to the northwest of the old city of Jerusalem is known as the Christian Quarter.. I often see figures of Jesus Christ in the shops.. Since it’s early in the morning, they are just opening.

While walking around the Christian Quarter, you may find yourself outside of the old city for a moment I found myself at the Jaffa Gate while watching around with interest.

The Streets of the Christian Quarter / Under a Heavy Rain

Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter in the south is now on my route. It is quite difficult to walk with the rain coming down again.. The historical streets of Jerusalem have almost turned into a river I talk about this with pleasure because frankly, it added an adventurous air to my trip.

Jewish Quarter and West Kardo Ruins

Jewish Quarter of the old city of Jerusalem its most modern looking point. It has a nice view with its wide squares, quality boutique shops and palm trees.

One of the large squares in the neighborhood is The remnants of the West Cardo. These remains belong to an important trade route in the Roman period.. You can go and examine the ruins without any control.

Jerusalem Jewish Quarter and Square

There are naturally many Synagogues in the Jewish Quarter.. I think I’m in the only place in the world where I can see so many Synagogues in the same place. The most remarkable one is undoubtedly the Hurva Synagogue.. For now, I’m just taking a picture of you Be patient for my visit!

After a few hundred meters, the Dome of the Rock appears before me again, but this time I have another guest :)

One of the Modern Buildings in the Jewish District

Wailing Wall

Western Wall with its original name, the Western Wall, as it is known in our country, is one of the most important points of Jerusalem.. This wall, which is sacred to the Jews, is 18 meters high from the surface with its huge stones.

In fact, this wall is the surviving western wall of the Great Temple, which is considered sacred by the Jews.

The Dome of the Rock and the Wailing Wall Just Below

The Wall was named the Wailing Wall because it witnessed the dreams, prayers and tears of the Jews over the centuries, remembering their past bad memories and their desire to establish a strong Jewish state.

According to the Jews’ belief, this wall will not collapse and God will never leave the western wall.

With the Wailing Wall / I Must Say I Got Wet The Moment It Receded

It must have been raining around secluded. I feel lucky today when I even heard that people were crushing each other to touch the wall before I came..

The section just below the wall is reserved for worshipers. Of course, I wandered freely since there was no one, but normally you may need to be watched from afar.. At this point, there is a special vantage point and a huge square.

The Stones of the Western Wall and the Pressed Wish Papers

The Tunnels of Jerusalem and Guided Tours

I talked about the underground world of this city Now it’s time for the tunnels of the Wailing Wall!

When you see the Wailing Wall, you will see the tunnel inscription and sign on your back left diagonal.. We can’t navigate these tunnels on our own. You need to buy tickets for the hourly guided tours. I didn’t make any preparations in advance, but I found a place for the tour at 13.20

Ticket costs 38 shekels, 18 shekels for students.. For the first time, a country accepts my studentship abroad and gives me a student ticket with my university card that I show! In this way, I will explore the historical tunnels of Jerusalem for half the price.. It’s around 10 o’clock. I continue to explore the remaining places that I will visit in the intervening 3 hours.

The Ticket I Bought for the Western Wall Tunnels

Temples Hill

I’m back to the huge square where the Dome of the Rock is located. I told you this place was called the Hill of the Temples. I want to see the Dome of the Rock and Masjid al-Aqsa, which are sacred to us, in the daytime.. Meanwhile, the light sun penetrating through the clouds reflects the golden color of the huge dome directly in my eyes.

The wind is blowing so strong that it is not easy to take a photo Still I manage to shoot something.

“…the light sun peeking through the clouds reflects the golden hue of the huge dome directly into my eyes.”

Muslim Quarter

The northern end of the square becomes a part of the Muslim Quarter. There is a lovely mosque and a religious school here.. On the street something similar to bagels are sold, and signs in Arabic are striking.

The Muslim Quarter in Jerusalem is spread over the northern and western ends of Masjid al-Aqsa.. It would not be wrong to say that Hebron Hostel, where I stayed, is also located in it.

Sevmli Mosque in the Muslim District

The Lion Gate

There is now Mount Olive on my route. To reach here, I pass through the Lion’s Gate to East Jerusalem.. The Lion Gate is one of the most beautiful gates in the old city of Jerusalem.

When you step out the door, don’t forget to look behind you.. The castle-like top details and the lion figures facing each other offer a nice view.

The Lion’s Gate

East Jerusalem and the West Bank

From here on, technically speaking, on the map It is called East Jerusalem and the West Bank. But as I said, it is under Israeli control and there is no crossing, you continue.

When I go to East Jerusalem, I understand more clearly how high the old city is.. In order to reach the Mount of Olives, which is in front of me, I will first have to descend and then ascend, where the geography has created a tiny valley.

The Valley-Like Geography of East Jerusalem

The Tomb of Virgin Mary and Gethsemane

At the bottom of the valley is the Tomb of the Virgin. This is the church believed to be the tomb of the Virgin Mary.. The entrance of the church resembles a cistern, go down the stairs and discover this church inside the tunnels !

Just beyond it, Jesus prayed for the last time before he was crucified. There is the Getsemani garden and the nice church next to it. The church is quite impressive, especially when viewed from the front.. The huge pictures and figures at the junction of the columns are worth seeing.

Entrance of the Church with the Tomb of the Virgin Mary

Russian Church of Mary Magdalene

It’s time to climb up! Fortunately, there are many beautiful places where you can take a break and visit on the way to Zeytindağ.. Another of these is the work of Jerusalem, which has come from RussiaChurch of Mary Magdalene.

19. This Orthodox church, built at the end of the century, is a complete example of Russian Architecture and one of the most distinctive structures in Jerusalem. It has a garden covered with flowers at the entrance.. You can reach the church by walking through a few tours of the garden.

Church of Mary Magdalene / East Jerusalem

Because it is on a slight hill, I can see the walls of the old city of Jerusalem and the Dome of the Rock.. It is a nice feeling to watch this church resembling St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow in the same square.

The church has an elegant and simple interior design.. It can’t be said that he has many visitors, or there are not many people who think of going to Zeytindağ in rainy weather like me But if I go, won’t it be warmer!

Church of Mary Magdalene Elegant Interior

Zeytindagi and Jerusalem View

The best way to reach Zeytindağ is walking. Don’t chase those buses, tours. Go back and forth three kilometers from the old town.. Even though it’s a little tiring, I finally reach the top.

Zeytindagi is a high point in the east of Jerusalem.. It’s not as high as a mountain But as it dominates the entire view of Jerusalem, it’s also the best place to watch the city. You can guess from where it got its name, the slopes of the hill are full of lush olive groves.

Climbing to the Mount of Olives / The Shining Sun

Olive Mountain is not just a viewing point, of course.. Every detail in Jerusalem has a spiritual value.

This is a sacred spot for all three major religions. It is believed that the Sirat Bridge, which we all know, will be built between Harem-ul-Sharif and Zeytindag in Mecca.

Jerusalem from Zeytindagi

Zeytindagi Jewish Cemeteries

Christians Hz.. He thinks that the prophetic gospel to Jesus was given here. The Jews, on the other hand, believe that on the Day of Judgment, the Messiah, whom they see as the savior of their nation, will reach Jerusalem from here. won’t happen. While watching Jerusalem from Zeytindağı, you can see the sarcophagus-like stones right in front of you, they are the tombstones of the Jews.

Zeytindağı Jewish Cemetery

Although the weather was clear, I got my share of the wind here But it couldn’t prevent me from taking pictures. Now it’s time to go back to the old town ! I’m going down the same way I came. This time, I am examining the Jewish Cemetery more clearly, I suggest you take a look as the entrance is free.

This time I am going to the northern part of the old city.. Take a good look around the narrow streets! While looking left and right you are likely to come across a small church and tunnel. After discovering a few small churches in this way, the area starts to get crowded.

While Descending from the Mount of Olives

The Damascus Gate and the Arabian Market

The reason for the crowds is that we are approaching the Damascus Gate.. The roads to Damascus Gate are very busy, this is the Arab Market. Even though it’s noon, if you throw a needle, it won’t fall to the ground.

More food and beverage products are sold.. There is everything from legumes to fruits and vegetables.. The most remarkable one is the sweets with syrup, the traces of the Ottoman Culture.

I reach the Arab Market

The Damascus Gate. this is 16. One of the gates built by Suleiman the Magnificent in the century. Since the gate is located in the area where Palestinians live, it has been the scene of various resistances and events throughout history.. According to world-recognized maps the eastern part of this gate covers the West Bank.

As with all of them, you must go out to watch the Damascus Gate.. There are also stairs across it so you can watch it and relax.

After wandering around the Arab Market for a bit, I’m heading south of the city for my appointment at the Wailing Wall Tunnels.. I will visit Hurva Synagogue, which I took a photo of in the morning before.

Damascus Gate

Hurva Synagogue

Hurva must be the most beautiful synagogue you can visit in Jerusalem

strong>. The structure bearing traces of Russian Architecture called Neo-Byzantine 19. It was built in the middle of the century.

You have to pay 5 shekels to the attendant at the entrance.. This is a place where worship continues, but they have set up such a system in order not to be disturbed too much.

Hurva Synagogue and Jewish Religious Man Teaching Behind Me

I had not been in a synagogue before when I was praying and giving religious education inside. I’m lucky to witness such a moment. Meanwhile, I skim through Jewish religious books.

Hurva has a simple interior design. The light entering through its colored windows has added a nice atmosphere to the environment.. If you wish, you can also go to the upper floor of the Synagogue.

The Upper Floor and Colored Glasses of the Synagogue

Armenian Quarter

Continue to wander! The Armenian Quarter, which I could not go to due to the rain in the morning, will be the last point I will visit before the tunnels.. The Armenian Quarter is located in the south-west of the old city of Jerusalem.

I don’t know how to describe it, but it has a uniquely calm atmosphere.. The Armenian Patriarchate and the Gulbenkian Library are also located here.

Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate Street

Unfortunately, it is possible to see anti-country posters on the walls in the Armenian region, I couldn’t help but mention this sad detail.

I’m going straight to the Wailing Wall now. I must have come across the school leaving time because I meet the Jewish kids and take pictures on the way

With My Little Israeli Friends / Jerusalem Jewish Quarter

Tunnels of the Western Wall

On my second visit The Wailing Wall and the square in front of it are more crowded, the weather is now sunny. I enter the section on the left for the tunnels!

The tour starts, we are 8-10 people in total. At the beginning our guide tells us the history of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. In summary, the picture of the Great Temple, which has not survived to the present day, is drawn in our minds.

In the Tunnels of the Western Wall

Then we proceed through the tunnels parallel to the western wall.. We reach various points through tunnels where two people cannot pass side by side. You can see the remnants of the old water gallery and the bridge that passes over it in these tunnels.

It is such a long walk that At the end of the tour that takes more than an hour, we leave from the northernmost part of the old city! I definitely enjoyed this spontaneous tour for me. I would recommend. One of the most beautiful ways to experience the history of Jerusalem.

Under the Wind and Rain with the Dome of the Rock / Jerusalem

This is how I completed the places to visit in Jerusalem. My route is to reach the bus terminal in the north from Yeni Kapı. My next stop is Tel Aviv, the important city of Israel on the Mediterranean coast.. If you read my travel notes there, you can make this city more meaningful, days full of love !

“If you want to learn my practical travel tips for Jerusalem, I recommend you to read my Jerusalem Travel Guide, which I wrote with my experience. I do. You can get information about going to Jerusalem, visa procedures, accommodation, etc.”

Continued of the article: Tel Aviv, Israel Travel Notes

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