21st Century Jerusalem:
In 2000, Israel withdrew from Southern Lebanon, and the Second Intifada occurred. Two years later, Israel began construction of the West Bank Barrier. In 2005, "Israels's Unilateral Disengagement Plan" removed the Israelis from the Gaza strip. A number of conflicts from 2007-2010 augmented the tension between Israel and its neighbors, leading to questions regarding its future.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
3/8/11
20th Century Jerusalem:
Secular Zionism is based on ideas by Theodore Herzl's book "The Jewish State," where he argues that the sacredness of Jerusalem doesn't play a role in zionism, suggesting a zionist state in Uganda. In 1899, the First Zionist conference in Switzerland was described by Herzel as having the presence of the "Messiah the Son of David." The rise of European nationalism and Anti-semitism greatly affected the Jews, as they wondered where was the land of the Jews. In World War II, the Ottomans allied themselves with the Germans against Britain and France, and after the British conquered Palestine in 1917, the Balfour Declaration promised the Jews a national homeland. They promised to protect the holy places of all faiths, and Winston Churchill's White Paper of 1922 clarified this Declaration, saying that they support a continuation of a community in Palestine. They partitioned an area to the west of the Jordan for a Jewish settlement.
After the hostility surrounding the Jews prior to WWII, the Peel Plan provided an early "two state" solution, putting the Jewish state in the north, the arab state in the south, and making Jerusalem an "international city." It was approved by the UN in 1947, accepted as a bare minimum by Zionists and rejected by Arabs, leading to violence. The War of Independence in 1948 (Arab-Israeli War) occurred, and the British departed in May. Truce was arranged by the UN in July and they signed an armistice in March of 1949. The Green line was created between Israel and Jordanian held West bank. This establishment of an Israeli state was a "Catastophe" (al-Niqba) led to King Hussein's declaration of Jerusalem as the second capital of Jordan in 1953. The Six Day war in 1967 resulted in Moshe Dayan giving control of the Haram to the Muslims and in the Israeli annexation of the Old city and East Jerusalem (rejected by the UN). The Oslo Accords in 1993 was an agreement between Isreal and the PLO, calling for Israeli withdrawal of the Gaza Strip and West Bank, and the acknowledgement of both groups.
Secular Zionism is based on ideas by Theodore Herzl's book "The Jewish State," where he argues that the sacredness of Jerusalem doesn't play a role in zionism, suggesting a zionist state in Uganda. In 1899, the First Zionist conference in Switzerland was described by Herzel as having the presence of the "Messiah the Son of David." The rise of European nationalism and Anti-semitism greatly affected the Jews, as they wondered where was the land of the Jews. In World War II, the Ottomans allied themselves with the Germans against Britain and France, and after the British conquered Palestine in 1917, the Balfour Declaration promised the Jews a national homeland. They promised to protect the holy places of all faiths, and Winston Churchill's White Paper of 1922 clarified this Declaration, saying that they support a continuation of a community in Palestine. They partitioned an area to the west of the Jordan for a Jewish settlement.
After the hostility surrounding the Jews prior to WWII, the Peel Plan provided an early "two state" solution, putting the Jewish state in the north, the arab state in the south, and making Jerusalem an "international city." It was approved by the UN in 1947, accepted as a bare minimum by Zionists and rejected by Arabs, leading to violence. The War of Independence in 1948 (Arab-Israeli War) occurred, and the British departed in May. Truce was arranged by the UN in July and they signed an armistice in March of 1949. The Green line was created between Israel and Jordanian held West bank. This establishment of an Israeli state was a "Catastophe" (al-Niqba) led to King Hussein's declaration of Jerusalem as the second capital of Jordan in 1953. The Six Day war in 1967 resulted in Moshe Dayan giving control of the Haram to the Muslims and in the Israeli annexation of the Old city and East Jerusalem (rejected by the UN). The Oslo Accords in 1993 was an agreement between Isreal and the PLO, calling for Israeli withdrawal of the Gaza Strip and West Bank, and the acknowledgement of both groups.
3/3/11
Mamluk-Ottoman Jerusalem:
After Saladin conquered the city in 1187, the Mamluk period began. During this time, Jerusalem became a religious center, because it was politically and militarily insignificant. The Haram was developed and a massive construction of schools, hostels, and hospices occurred. The Black Plague that swept Europe and Asia affected Jerusalem from 1351-1353. The architecture that characterizes this period includes alternating red and white or black and white stones, domes, monumental entrances, and Muqarnas, or domes that include geometric patterns. The Al-Madrasa al-Ashrafiyya is an Qur'anic school considered as the "third (Islamic) jewel of Jerusalem," built in 1482.
Nachmanides made an aliyah to Jerusalem in 1267, and he founded the Ramban Synagogue, attracting Jews to follow in his footsteps. He played a role in developing Kabbalah, or Jewish Mysticism, which spiritualized Jerusalem and made the temple a symbol of the path to God. So essentially, Kabbalah made the aliyah a spiritual journey towards God. In 1517, the rising Ottoman empire led by Selim I defeated the Mamluks and took Jerusalem. Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (1520-1566) embarked on a variety of public works projects, repairing aqueducts and pools, rebuilding walls and markets. Jewish refugees are also encouraged to settle in Jerusalem to help restore the city. The holy places of the city were also restored. The western wall was given to the Jews by Suleiman as a place of prayer, and it attracted a myriad of myths that emphasized its sacredness. Early Jewish Zionism was symbolized by the journey back to Jerusalem, or the "Land of their Fathers," where the "Gate of Heaven" and the holiness of the Temple are located.
After Saladin conquered the city in 1187, the Mamluk period began. During this time, Jerusalem became a religious center, because it was politically and militarily insignificant. The Haram was developed and a massive construction of schools, hostels, and hospices occurred. The Black Plague that swept Europe and Asia affected Jerusalem from 1351-1353. The architecture that characterizes this period includes alternating red and white or black and white stones, domes, monumental entrances, and Muqarnas, or domes that include geometric patterns. The Al-Madrasa al-Ashrafiyya is an Qur'anic school considered as the "third (Islamic) jewel of Jerusalem," built in 1482.
Nachmanides made an aliyah to Jerusalem in 1267, and he founded the Ramban Synagogue, attracting Jews to follow in his footsteps. He played a role in developing Kabbalah, or Jewish Mysticism, which spiritualized Jerusalem and made the temple a symbol of the path to God. So essentially, Kabbalah made the aliyah a spiritual journey towards God. In 1517, the rising Ottoman empire led by Selim I defeated the Mamluks and took Jerusalem. Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (1520-1566) embarked on a variety of public works projects, repairing aqueducts and pools, rebuilding walls and markets. Jewish refugees are also encouraged to settle in Jerusalem to help restore the city. The holy places of the city were also restored. The western wall was given to the Jews by Suleiman as a place of prayer, and it attracted a myriad of myths that emphasized its sacredness. Early Jewish Zionism was symbolized by the journey back to Jerusalem, or the "Land of their Fathers," where the "Gate of Heaven" and the holiness of the Temple are located.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
3/1/11
Crusader Jerusalem:
The Crusades were holy conflicts between Roman Catholics and Muslims in attempts to recapture Jerusalem from Islamic rule. Pope Urban II's 1095 speech, which grants indulgence to anyone supporting their cause, and he emphasizes Jerusalem's place as the navel of the earth. This sparked the 1st Crusade from 1095-1099, and in 1099 northern Crusaders led by Godfrey de Bouillon conquered the city in 1099. The next year, Baldwin became the "king of Jerusalem." The 2nd Crusade (1147-1149), preached by St. Bernard in 1146, consisted mostly of French and German Crusaders. On July 4, 1187, Salah ad-Din (Saladin) defeated the Crusaders at Hattin, resulting in their surrender.
The Crusades resulted in the modification of some significant Islamic monuments, as well as the rebuilding of destroyed Byzantine churches. Also, the Knights Templar was founded in 1118, and they resided near the Temple Mount. Their goal was to protect pilgrims from robbers and other dangers that may encounter. A number of Crusades took place after the death of Saladin, resulting in Jerusalem being recaptured by the Crusaders, leading to an eventual Crusader defeat in 1291.
The Crusades were holy conflicts between Roman Catholics and Muslims in attempts to recapture Jerusalem from Islamic rule. Pope Urban II's 1095 speech, which grants indulgence to anyone supporting their cause, and he emphasizes Jerusalem's place as the navel of the earth. This sparked the 1st Crusade from 1095-1099, and in 1099 northern Crusaders led by Godfrey de Bouillon conquered the city in 1099. The next year, Baldwin became the "king of Jerusalem." The 2nd Crusade (1147-1149), preached by St. Bernard in 1146, consisted mostly of French and German Crusaders. On July 4, 1187, Salah ad-Din (Saladin) defeated the Crusaders at Hattin, resulting in their surrender.
The Crusades resulted in the modification of some significant Islamic monuments, as well as the rebuilding of destroyed Byzantine churches. Also, the Knights Templar was founded in 1118, and they resided near the Temple Mount. Their goal was to protect pilgrims from robbers and other dangers that may encounter. A number of Crusades took place after the death of Saladin, resulting in Jerusalem being recaptured by the Crusaders, leading to an eventual Crusader defeat in 1291.
Monday, February 28, 2011
2/24/11
Islamic Jerusalem:
Caliph Umar took over Jerusalem in 638, and he allowed Jews to move back into the city after an agreement with the Christians prohibiting Jewish settlement. Aelia, Bait Maqdis, and al-Quds were all used to describe the holy city (Haram al-Sharif = "the noble sanctuary). Muhammed first introduced the concepts of Qibla and Mihrab, which focus on a set direction of Prayer toward Mecca, specifically towards the Kaaba.
Caliph Umar constructed a wooden Mosque, whose site eventually became the sight of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and Abd al-Malik built the the Dome of the Rock in 691 (commissioned in 687). The location of the Dome of the Rock is said to be linked to Abraham's sacrifice on Mt. Moriah, Solomon's Temple, and the Underworld itself. Both of these aimed to divert pilgrimage away from Mecca, and Jews and Christians also visited Jerusalem as well. Abd al-Malik improved the road system and restored certain gates and walls of Jerusalem, and he constructed the Qubbat as-Silsila, or the Dome of the Chain.
Caliph Umar took over Jerusalem in 638, and he allowed Jews to move back into the city after an agreement with the Christians prohibiting Jewish settlement. Aelia, Bait Maqdis, and al-Quds were all used to describe the holy city (Haram al-Sharif = "the noble sanctuary). Muhammed first introduced the concepts of Qibla and Mihrab, which focus on a set direction of Prayer toward Mecca, specifically towards the Kaaba.
Caliph Umar constructed a wooden Mosque, whose site eventually became the sight of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and Abd al-Malik built the the Dome of the Rock in 691 (commissioned in 687). The location of the Dome of the Rock is said to be linked to Abraham's sacrifice on Mt. Moriah, Solomon's Temple, and the Underworld itself. Both of these aimed to divert pilgrimage away from Mecca, and Jews and Christians also visited Jerusalem as well. Abd al-Malik improved the road system and restored certain gates and walls of Jerusalem, and he constructed the Qubbat as-Silsila, or the Dome of the Chain.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
2/22/11
The physical importane of the Temple was being diminished, as Jesus "predicts" its destruction, and its spiritual aspects were growing in significance. Revelation 21-22 describes a "new" Jerusalem, as the nature of religion in the city was transforming. Jerusalem is said to be the location of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, and some Christians interpret Matthew 27's statement about "destroy[ing] the temple and build[ing] it in three days" refers to Jesus' resurrection. And in 285 CE, emperor Diocletian instituted the tetrarchy of power, eventually resulting in Constantine's rise to power. He legalized Christianity in the Edict of Milan in 313 CE, although some believe he used religion as a method of uniting his empire.
Helena, Constantine's mother, came to Jerusalem in 324 CE, and her rededications established the Church of the Holy Sepulcher as a new "axis mundi." In 391, Theodosius established Christianity as the state religion, and Justinian expanded the city and built the Nea (New) Church. People began making both Jewish and Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem. People began relating the myths from the Temple to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Also, the Nea Church had a lot of physical similarities to Solomon's temple.
Helena, Constantine's mother, came to Jerusalem in 324 CE, and her rededications established the Church of the Holy Sepulcher as a new "axis mundi." In 391, Theodosius established Christianity as the state religion, and Justinian expanded the city and built the Nea (New) Church. People began making both Jewish and Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem. People began relating the myths from the Temple to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Also, the Nea Church had a lot of physical similarities to Solomon's temple.
2/17/11
Jerusalem in Revolt:
Herod's kingdom was divided into three portions. Archelaus (ineffective) became ethnarch of Judea, Herod Antipas became tetrarch of Perea and Galilee, and Herod Philip became tetrarch of Iturea and Trachonitis. These rulers were gradually substituted with direct Roman rulers (procurators). Pontius Pilate, who governed Judea from 26 to 36 CE, tried and ordered the execution of Jesus, and he provoked the Jews as a whole. The governors were mostly inexperienced, and Jewish nationalism and internal conflict were both increasing. The first Jewish Revolt (66-73 CE), can be attributed to the corrupt Roman governors, or religious injustice, or worsening relationships with non-Jews. Titus destroyed the Temple on the 9th of Ab in 70 CE, and by 73 CE, the revolt was ended. Vespasian issued Judea Capta/Devicta coins that publicized their victory.
The 2nd revolt, or Bar Kokhba revolt (132-135 CE), was led by Simon ben Kosiba, who wanted to reestablish Jerusalem as an eternal capital and reestablish Jewish identity. As a result of the revolt's failure, Hadrian punished the Jews, banned them from the city, banned circumcision, and rebuilt Jerusalem as a Roman city (Aelia Capitolina). The transformation of the Temple into a worship center for Jupiter may have led to the rise of the Synagogue, providing an alternate place of worship.
Herod's kingdom was divided into three portions. Archelaus (ineffective) became ethnarch of Judea, Herod Antipas became tetrarch of Perea and Galilee, and Herod Philip became tetrarch of Iturea and Trachonitis. These rulers were gradually substituted with direct Roman rulers (procurators). Pontius Pilate, who governed Judea from 26 to 36 CE, tried and ordered the execution of Jesus, and he provoked the Jews as a whole. The governors were mostly inexperienced, and Jewish nationalism and internal conflict were both increasing. The first Jewish Revolt (66-73 CE), can be attributed to the corrupt Roman governors, or religious injustice, or worsening relationships with non-Jews. Titus destroyed the Temple on the 9th of Ab in 70 CE, and by 73 CE, the revolt was ended. Vespasian issued Judea Capta/Devicta coins that publicized their victory.
The 2nd revolt, or Bar Kokhba revolt (132-135 CE), was led by Simon ben Kosiba, who wanted to reestablish Jerusalem as an eternal capital and reestablish Jewish identity. As a result of the revolt's failure, Hadrian punished the Jews, banned them from the city, banned circumcision, and rebuilt Jerusalem as a Roman city (Aelia Capitolina). The transformation of the Temple into a worship center for Jupiter may have led to the rise of the Synagogue, providing an alternate place of worship.
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