Jerusalem and Mecca

Prior to 1948, the country of Israel was Palestine or the Arab State. After 1948, it was known as Israel.

Jerusalem Jerusalem Holiest city for the Jews Holiest city for the Christians Third holiest city for the Muslims

The old city of Jerusalem is divided into four quarters. Muslim quarter Jewish quarter Christian quarter Armenian quarter

Virtual Tour Jerusalem The Old City

View of the old city from the Mount of Olives.

Dome of the Rock is holy to all three religions.

Western Wall The holiest place for the Jews in Jerusalem Western Wall webcam

The western wall is all that remains of Solomon’s temple.

The Arc of the Covenant This is the most treasured item of the Hebrew (Jewish) people. It’s whereabouts are not known today. This Arc was kept in Solomon’s temple. Three items were kept inside the Arc—the ten commandments, Aaron’s staff and a gold cup of manna.

The Torah is the Jewish Holy Book. It is written in Hebrew

Jewish people in Israel

Christianity Christians believe in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. They believe he is the son of God and the savior of the world.

Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem This is the site of Golgotha where Jesus was crucified. This is the holiest place for the Christians in Jerusalem

There are three branches of the Christian Church Christians Roman Catholic Eastern OrthodoxProtestant

Mecca, the holiest city for the Muslims.

A Mosque is the house of worship for Muslims Minaret is a tower on a Mosque

The Muslim holy book is the Quran. It is written in Arabic which is read from right to left.

Pages in the Quran are decorated with flowers and/or geometric designs.

The Muslims believe in and practice five pillars of Islam Acknowledge that there is no other God but Allah and his prophet is Muhammad. Pray five times each day while facing Mecca. Fast from sun up until sun down during the holy month of Ramadan. Give alms to the poor Make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime.

Muslims believe that Muhammad was the last prophet. In any kind of art work, Muhammad is never drawn with facial features.

Muslims must pray five times each day facing the holy city of Mecca. The object that is the holiest to the Muslims is the Kaaba. They believe it was built by Abraham and Ishmael.

Muslims must fast (not eat) from sun up until sun down during the holy month of Ramadan Ramadan

Hajj Each Muslim must make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime if they can afford to go. Last year, 253 people were killed in a stampede at Mina.

Muslims must kiss the place stone in the Kaaba.

Everyone must dress in the same clothes so that no one can tell the poor people from the wealthy.

Over 1,000,000 people go on the six day Hajj each year. The hajj takes place in February.

Muslims throwing stones at a column that represents evil.

Give alms to the poor Muslims believe everyone should give money and food to help the poor. Followers of Muhammad do not believe in the terrorism that is being done by Muslim terrorist groups today.

Two branches of the Muslim faith Muhammad SunniShiite Believe any Muslim can lead the religion. Most Muslims are Sunni Muslims. Believe the leader of the Muslims must be a descendant of Muhammad. Shiite Muslims are mostly in Iran and Iraq.

Faces of Muslims in the Middle East.

Muslim architecture is detailed and symmetrical (everything is balanced)

Hagia Sophia is a mosque in Istanbul

Interior dome of Hagia Sophia