Jerusalem: the name itself evokes an idea of universality and peace reaching beyond nationalisms, racial disputes, religious faiths and political barriers. Jerusalem has always been the crossroads between different races and worlds. Concentrated in only a few hundred feet are Al-Aqsa Mosque, Holy Sepulcher, and Wailing Wall the most important sacred sites of the three principal monotheistic religions. Within the city: the holy Christian sites of the youth of prophet Jesus (pbuh); his crucifixion; burial and resurrection, the third holiest site for Muslims; Al-Haram Al-Sharif from where prophet Mohammad (pbuh) rose to heaven can be seen, and the holiest Jewish sites; Wailing Wall and Tomb of King David (pbuh). It is the Holy City of humanity, and is the City of Peace, in spite of the invasions and pillaging that over the centuries have succeeded each other there. The Arabs (Muslims and Christians) call it Al-Quds or Baytel Maqdis, the Holy One. The Jews call it Yerushalayim, the City of Peace. The World call it Jerusalem. The origins of Jerusalem are lost in the remote past. Recent archaeological excavations reveal that it is at least as old as the 15th century BC, where it is called Urusalimu in the Egyptian and Babylonian literature. The first mention of it in the Bible is probably under the name of Salem, the city of Melchisedek Priest of the High God. In the third century under the reign of Constantine, Jerusalem became a Christian Shrine, the Emperor’s mother Helena, ordered the construction of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher on the site; she was determined the site of Christ’s crucifixion. From established traditions, advice of the Bishops and revelations in her dreams, Helena established a number of official sites connected with the life of Christ that are still recognized today by most Christians. Every visitor to the Holy Land is encouraged to visit The Old City of Jerusalem. Each carries with them their own baggage of preconceived ideas, religious or political. And yet each will be surprised by what they find. For all its fame, Jerusalem is a small town, with many faces and weighed down with history. But it also offers an enormous amount to see, whether your are interested in ancient history, religion or contemporary politics. Yes, a tour of The Old City is an experience in and of itself. Walking through one of the Gates into the City brings about a feeling of transformation. The atmosphere, the sounds and scents, and the diversity of people and faiths inside the Walls is unique and memorable experience for any visitor. The inside of The Old City is divided into four quarters; the Christian Quarter, the Muslim Quarter, the Jewish Quarter and the Armenian Quarter. During your visit here, you will be awed by a sense of history and spiritual significance. Yes, Jerusalem is a city with a special design; its effect on visitors is unique and eternal.
