The article provides an overview of the mosques located in the Old City of Jerusalem, highlighting their historical significance and the impact of occupation on their status and accessibility.
The article explores the historical significance of several mosques in the Old City of Jerusalem, with a focus on Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is recognized as the most important and largest mosque in the area. It mentions the Mosque of Omar ibn al-Khattab, built near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre during the Mamluk era, emphasizing its historical and cultural relevance.
Additionally, the article points out the Mosque of Durghath, built in 1964, which represents the most recent addition among the 43 mosques in the Old City. The context of the occupation is discussed, specifically how it has adversely affected these religious sites since 1967, leading to the demolition of certain mosques and the appropriation of others for non-Islamic purposes, including their conversion into museums or synagogues.
Lastly, the article details the restrictions imposed on Muslim worshipers, noting how certain mosques have been closed and converted into residential areas by local Palestinians due to the challenges presented by the ongoing occupation. This situation reflects broader themes of cultural preservation, religious freedom, and the implications of occupation for the local population and their heritage.
