TRAVEL: Western Wall in Jerusalem
August 20, 2008 – 3:01 pm
Travel to Israel
The Western Wall is located in Jerusalem, Israel. It is a religious place for Jewish. The only standing part of big temple is this western part of construction. Because of that, it is called as “Western Wall”. The other name of the Western Wall is the Kotel. Wailing Wall is another name of the wall. Such a name is given to it because Jewish people come and mourn here for the destruction of Holy Temple.
It is predicted that the wall was built in 19 BC. The height of the Western Wall is 55 meters. Next to the wall there is an area for praying. A temple was built with the order of King Solomon in 6 BC. It was ruined by Babylonian people. Instead of this ruined temple, Jews built another temple. The destiny of this temple is the same with the previous one. It was ruined by Romans. They not only ruined it, but also stole valuable pieces and took to Rome. The western wall of this temple stands despite everything and Jewish people accept it as a holy place. For a long time, Western Wall was under the control of different countries. In 16th century, Ottoman Empire took the control until 20th century. During this period, some rules about living near to the wall and visiting it were put. In 20th century, for approximately 30 years, British ruled the area. The other controlling country, after British was Jordan for 19 years. When Israel was successful in Six Day War, it took the control. Israel still rules the area. It is an old construction and it experienced battles, hard days. Up to now, it was restored for a few times and it is still open to visitation.
Near the Western Wall, there is Little Western Wall. It is a part of the entire construction. It is used for religious reasons, as well. While Jews use Little Western Wall as a praying place, for Muslims it is a passage way to homes.
The Significance of the Western Wall for Judaism and Islam
For both Judaism and Islam, the Western Wall is a holy place. They have different ideas to prove their claims. It is fact that the Western Wall and the area was used both by Jewish and Muslim people. They have different beliefs. However, something brings them together: It is Western Wall.
For Judaism, the Western Wall is a part of Holy Temple. Jewish pilgrims visit the wall. Praying at the wall is a unique experience for them. It is thought that praying here is like praying in the heaven.
Muslims call the wall as “the place of wailing” and “al-Burag Wall”. For them, it is a holy place because Mohammed winged his horse Buraq here. They also say that it is related with the journey of Mohammed, Isra and Mi’raj. Near Western Wall, there is Al Aqsa Mosque. The Western Wall is claimed to be a part of this mosque by Muslims.
Either Jewish or Muslim, by everyone, the Western Wall is accepted as a holy place. Along with its architectural and historical background, religion brings lots of people here.
Western Wall Tunnel
The Western Wall Tunnel is found next to the Western Wall. It is the tunnel under the old city. The Tunnel was found after the excavations made under the control of Israel. The tunnel is quite long, approximately 500 meters. In the entrance part of the tunnel, there is a small synagogue.
In the tunnel, Western Stone can be seen. It is so big that you can not imagine how people bring or build such a thing. Very close to the tunnel, the Chain of the Generations Center museum can be visited. It is a museum of Jewish history.