The Dome of the Rock explained
The Dome of the Rock explained
Overview of the Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem.
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CNN ImageSourceAfter the signing of the Declaration of Principles on Palestinian self-government (1993), U.S. President Bill Clinton, facilitator of the agreement, shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yāsir ʿArafāt. A truly groundbreaking moment is signaled by louder applause when the former mortal enemies, ʿArafāt and Rabin and then ʿArafāt and Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, also shake hands.
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William J. Clinton Presidential Library/National Archives, Washington, D.C.; thumbnail © Ralph Alswang/William J. Clinton Presidential LibraryThe hastily convened Camp David summit in 2000, which was intended to resolve the final status matters of a two-state solution, ended almost as soon as it began with neither Ehud Barak or Yasser Arafat prepared to hash out major concessions to come to a comprehensive compromise.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Learn about the Dome of the Rock, the oldest extant Islamic monument, which was completed in 619–692 in Jerusalem.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Learn more about the origins and history of Israel and Palestine.
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Created and produced by QA International. © QA International, 2010. All rights reserved. www.qa-international.comThe distribution of the seven continents.
Transcript
The Dome of the Rock adorns Temple Mount in the southeastern part of Jerusalem's historic center. The oldest Islamic sacred building rests on a foundation of uneven rock. The Dome of the Rock has an octagonal floor plan that would fit perfectly in a circle. The outer walls are decorated with blue oriental designs starting about three meters above the base of the structure. Each one of the Dome of the Rock's eight sides contains seven arches. The dome was once covered by a black lead dome, today it has a shiny gold covering.
The Dome of the Rock is probably the most famous landmark in Jerusalem, and it's one of Islam's holiest sites. It is located very near the Wailing Wall and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Tourists can only enter the dome through one gate; it is also the gate that leads to the Wailing Wall. Only Muslims can enter the other entrances. The domed structure was erected upon the rock where, according to legend, Abraham went to sacrifice his son to God, and where Mohammed is said to have ascended to heaven. The Dome of the Rock is an architectural masterpiece.
The Dome of the Rock is probably the most famous landmark in Jerusalem, and it's one of Islam's holiest sites. It is located very near the Wailing Wall and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Tourists can only enter the dome through one gate; it is also the gate that leads to the Wailing Wall. Only Muslims can enter the other entrances. The domed structure was erected upon the rock where, according to legend, Abraham went to sacrifice his son to God, and where Mohammed is said to have ascended to heaven. The Dome of the Rock is an architectural masterpiece.