Jerusalem is a city in Israel that has great significance for three of the major religions currently practiced in the world – Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. While there is much of history connected to this urban municipality that resonates with people, another part of its appeal is how stunning the architecture is. Jerusalem has a total of four quarters, each dedicated to one of the major religions with Christianity separated into the general and Armenian branches (Chernofsky, 2014). The Islam neighborhood has the largest area and with its more representative mosque being the Dome of the Rock. This paper aims to describe this Islamic shrine of worship and analyze its cultural significance.
The Appearance of the Dome of Rock
This place of worship has a base in the form of an octagon, which is relatively common for mosques. The raised platform is the foundation for straight walls leading to the golden dome, which is mentioned in the shrine’s name and is considered the central element of the structure. The use of this material is typical for religious architecture as it represents divinity and holiness. Additionally, the golden hues of the dome reflect the sunlight, which gives creates a vibrant atmosphere around this place of worship. The walls of the shrine are decorated in small colorful tiles, which is a staple element in Islamic architecture. However, unlike the adornment on other mosques, “the Dome’s mosaics exclude any representations of human or animal forms, instead featuring Arabic script and vegetal patterns” (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2020, para. 3). These depictions, combined with the blue hues of the tiles and the shining dome, make this place of worship a stunning piece of architecture that deserves the marvel it elicits.
The Cultural Significance of the Dome of the Rock
The Dome of the Rock was built in the 7th century on the highest point in Jerusalem, and its location holds great significance to both Islam and Christianity. Apart from the elevated height, the chosen site includes the rock that is mentioned in the mosque’s name. This foundation stone is considered the peak of Mount Moriah, which is “the intersection of the underworld and upper world” (McIntosh, 2019, para. 4). According to different religious texts, this rock holds great significance for several reasons. First of all, it is believed that Muhammad ascended to heaven in this location, which is why the rock is considered sacred in Islam. Second of all, the Bible states several religious figures, including Adam and King David, made sacrifices on this stone which explains its significance for Christians. Overall, the Dome of the Rock is an excellent representation of Jerusalem as a whole. Like the city where it is located, this shrine brings together several major religions with the significance it holds for them.
Conclusion
The Dome of the Rock is one of the most recognized places of worship in the world. Located in a city that brings together several major religions together, this mosque stuns with its beauty that is achieved by its grandiose golden dome and its intricate mosaics. However, its true value lies with its placement atop the peak of Mount Moriah, which is mentioned is several religious texts. This rock holds great significance for both Islam and Christianity, making the Dome of the Rock one of the most symbolic monuments in the world.
References
Chernofsky, E. (2014). What makes Jerusalem so holy?BBC. Web.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2020). Dome of the Rock. Britannica. Web.
McIntosh, M. A. (Ed.) (2019). Dome of the Rock: Religious significance, history, and architecture. Brewiminate. Web.