Sunday 21 September 2014 Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque

The Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa Mosque are only open a few hours each day, and that  dependents on the political climate of the day.  Blaine, Linda, and Marybeth Jones went up Sunday afternoon, Sept. 21.  This is where they wash themselves before going on the mount.

When Jewish people come up on the mount, security stay right by them.  The Muslims chant "Allah is Great" as they walk by.  The two Jewish men in the picture crowded in front of the line when the mount opened. I don't know if t they didn't want to cause a disturbance in the line or if it's just because they could.



The Al Aqsa Mosque was built in the 700's.  It is the third holiest place for Muslims.  First being the Kaaba in Mecca, second Medina, and third the Al Aqsa Mosque.

There are often groups of either Muslim men or women sitting in circles in the courtyard studying the Koran and commentaries.  We visited with a group of men but they asked not to have their picture taken. 

 

The Dome of the Rock is a religious shrine and was built in the 600's.  It has been remodeled numerous times, the last being in the 70's.  The tile is from Isnik, Turkey.