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An exploration of how and why places become invested with SACREDNESS and how the SACRED is embodied or made manifest through ART and ARCHITECTURE
THE DOME OF THE ROCK, ISRAEL
The plot of land on the elevated stone platform known as Haram Ash-Sharif on Temple Mount [see map of Jerusalem showing Temple Mount] upon which sits the Dome of the Rock is sacred to three of the world's major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The site was first consecrated by the Israelites of Exodus. Later, according to Jewish tradition, Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac upon a rock that protruded from the centre of the platform. Later still, upon the same platform, Solomon erected his temple.
For Christians, in addition to the Old Testament Jewish associations, the Temple Mount was revered because of its place in the life and ministries of Jesus Christ. For Moslems, the rock was sanctified by the story of the Prophet Mohammed's Miraaj or Night Journey to Jerusalem and back to Makkah [Mecca] (Qur'an 17:1). From the top of the rock, Mohammed began his ascent to Heaven.
The Dome of the Rock The octagonal, domed Dome of the Rock was constructed by Moslems in the 7th century. Conquering crusaders reconsecrated the building as a Christian church, but with the crusaders' defeat, it soon reverted back to Islam. Bibliography:
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