Education

Explore the historic Al Aksa Mosque, a stunning symbol of faith and architecture in Jerusalem, attracting visitors with its rich cultural heritage. Al Aksa Mosque The Early Years In 705 CE, the Al Aksa Mosque was initially constructed during the Umayyad Caliphate. Muslims have cherished its position atop the Temple Mount, or Haram al-Sharif in Arabic, since the time of the Prophet Muhammad. Architectural Developments  The Abbasid and Fatimid eras’ modifications are largely responsible for the mosque’s current layout. The structure has also been destroyed and rebuilt, most notably when it was briefly turned into a church during the Crusades. Ottoman Era and Modern Times During Ottoman administration, the mosque prospered and developed into a major center of Islamic scholarship and culture. It continues to be the center of Muslim prayers and pilgrimages today, with its current configuration being impacted by a variety of historical factors.           National Geographic: Jerusalem’s Holy Places