NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Offers a Rare Window into "The Dome Of the Rock"
The September issue of NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC launches online today, offering a rare window into Jerusalem's most beautiful and controversial landmarks, The Dome Of the Rock. Author Andrew Lawler and Photographer Ziyah Gafic were granted unprecedented access to the site and share the history, architectural prowess, and the current understanding of the holy site, including the contentious claim that the shine was built during a rare time of peace between Christians, Jews, and Muslims, and welcomed followers of all three faiths.
"The Dome of the Rock sits in the middle of the most complicated geopolitical knot in the world," shares Lawler. "It took more than a year of negotiations with Jordanian government officials in Amman and Washington, and Muslim clerics in Jerusalem, before National Geographic could even set foot within the premises. Then we received once-in-a-lifetime access to the site, from the cave beneath to the dome above. This article gives a rare glimpse into one of the most contested buildings in history. We hope the story helps readers better understand its unique mix of beauty and spiritual as well as political complexity."
The Dome Of the Rock, also known as the Temple Mount, is Jerusalem's most beautiful-and controversial-landmark. The shrine is the third holiest site in the Muslim world, the most holy site in Judaism, and one of the most iconic buildings in the world. Yet the purpose of the famous gold-domed shrine remains a mystery. To Palestinians, it's linked to independence. To some Jews and Christians, it's an abomination fated to be destroyed. Treasure hunters have sought the Ark of the Covenant they believe is hidden beneath it, while European Crusaders mistook it for Solomon's Temple and converted it to a Christian church. Today, the site has become a famous media backdrop for prayer, protests, and riots, even as conservators struggle to restore its fading glory.
National Geographic's September issue is available now online, and hits newsstands later this month.
Tags : The Dome Of the Rock national geographic Ziyah Gafic Andrew Lawler
Hot Trends
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
Hulvey Announces New Album, "Cry," Due Out Sept. 13
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
Hear the Story Behind Getty’s "Christ Our Hope in Life and Death"
-
Chester Bennington Dies: Was He a Christian?
-
Dr. David Jeremiah Had a Fall & Cancels All Speaking Engagements for "Singing in the Sun"
-
Darlene Zschech's Daughter Weds
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Martin Smith's "Joy (What The World Calls Foolish)"
-
Here Are Lyrics to Lauren Daigle's New Song "Be Okay"
-
Free Sheet Music Download: Keith and Kristyn Getty's “Rise My Soul, The Lord Is Risen”
-
Jordan Feliz Shares Details of His Upcoming Album "Everything Good"
-
Tamela Mann Releases Album "Live Breathe Fight" Oct. 11
-
David and Tamela Mann Celebrate Ebony "Black Love" Cover with Wedding Vow Renewal Event
-
Gaither Vocal Band's Buddy Mullins Drops His Solo Album "Fearless"
-
Hillsong Worship Former Leader Miriam Webster Gets Married
Most Popular
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
Hulvey Announces New Album, "Cry," Due Out Sept. 13
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
Hear the Story Behind Getty’s "Christ Our Hope in Life and Death"
-
Chester Bennington Dies: Was He a Christian?
-
Dr. David Jeremiah Had a Fall & Cancels All Speaking Engagements for "Singing in the Sun"
-
Darlene Zschech's Daughter Weds
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Martin Smith's "Joy (What The World Calls Foolish)"
-
Here Are Lyrics to Lauren Daigle's New Song "Be Okay"
-
Free Sheet Music Download: Keith and Kristyn Getty's “Rise My Soul, The Lord Is Risen”
-
Jordan Feliz Shares Details of His Upcoming Album "Everything Good"
-
Tamela Mann Releases Album "Live Breathe Fight" Oct. 11
-
David and Tamela Mann Celebrate Ebony "Black Love" Cover with Wedding Vow Renewal Event
-
Gaither Vocal Band's Buddy Mullins Drops His Solo Album "Fearless"
-
Hillsong Worship Former Leader Miriam Webster Gets Married