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The Glossary
Jerusalem Travel Guide
Few place in the world inspires as much awe and reverence as Jerusalem. The City of Gold, as it is also called, has many unique attributes to fascinate a tourist. It is a holy city for three Abrahamic religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It is the modern capital of Israel and also its largest city. Jerusalem is located between the Dead Sea and Mediterranean Sea in the Judean Mountains.
Claimed by three dominant religions of the world, it has been the center of conflict for ages. As per Biblical sources, the city was inhabited by the Jebusites, a Canaanite tribe, during the second millennium BC. King David conquered the city in 997 BC and called it 'Yerushalayim', a name it still sometimes uses. Subsequently, the city was captured by the Persian (6th Century BC), Greek Empire (4th Century BC) and Roman Empire (1st Century BC). Jerusalem was captured by Muslims in 638 AD, before being ousted by Christians in 1099 AD during the 1st Crusade. It was again taken by Muslims in 1187. It was occupied by the British during World War I. The city was divided between Jordan and Israel from 1949 before Israel united the city after a violent conflict with the Arabs in 1967.
Old City is the cultural core of Jerusalem. The Western Wall, Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre are important historical sites of this area. The Western Wall is the remains of the Second Temple, destroyed by the Romans in AD 70. It is the holiest place for the Jews. Al-Aqsa Mosque occupies special significance for Muslims because they believe this is the place from where Prophet Mohammad ascended to heaven. Dome of the Rock, located opposite to Al-Aqsa Mosque, is another holy place for Muslims. The golden dome and blue walls of this structure, which is decorated with calligraphy of Koranic verses, is one of the best known landmarks of Jerusalem.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the holiest place for Christians in Jerusalem. These monuments along with numerous others are finest examples of ancient architecture, which transport one back to old ages.
The New Jerusalem is the modern commercial hub of the city. The Israel Museum, which keeps the Scrolls of the Dead Sea and a model of ancient Jerusalem, Yad Vashem, Holocaust Museum of Israel and the Biblical Zoo are important attractions of this part of the city. Jewish Quarter (Old City), Ben Yehuda Street and Jaffa Road have impressive shopping centers. Jerusalem is famous for its jewelery - Jaffa Road and the Cardo (Old City) are some of the spots where one can get the good ones. The city has a decent nightlife. The Russian Compound is a popular spot.
Situated on the migratory birds' route from Africa to Europe, Jerusalem is a paradise for birdwatchers.
Jerusalem Traveler Advice
Jerusalem photography
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User blogs:
Cheaper galactic spaceliner unveiled
News from http://news.ph.msn.com/top-stories/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3737940 Richard Branson unveiled Monday a commercial spaceliner offering tourists a cheaper chance to experience the thrill of weightlessness and view the splendor of the Earth from space. The British billionaire hopes to offer tickets aboard his spacecraft at a cost of 200,000 dollars each, giving adventurous ... Read full Blog post
Indonesia Eco Tourism
Tour Itenaray Day 01 BALI - LABUAN BAJO – RINCA ISLAND – KOMODO ISLAND (L.D) Pick up from your hotel in Bali and transfer to the airport, for flight to Labuan Bajo (West Flores) for approximately one and half hours. On arrival in Labuan Bajo airport, will be welcomed and met with our local representative or tour guide. Than transfer to the harbour to catch a boat cross to Rinca ... Read full Blog post
San Gimignano and San Pellegrino
Night falls on the flourishing and industrious San Gimignano, its 72 towers stand on the low roofs of the houses lit by the moon. This is not a luxury travel spot but is something you don't see every day. In the distance the clatter of hooves echoed tired in the Via Francigena. The hand of the blacksmith stops beating, the frame of the weaver becomes silent, the streets of the tank only a concert ... Read full Blog post
An Aerial fiesta in Clark Pampanga
Its a party in the sky as multi colored hot air balloons piloted ny different pilots from various partso of the world participated in this annual gathering. As early as 5am, the 2,500 hectare aviation complex at Clar Economic Zone in Pampanga was already crammedi with excitement. Clusters of hot air balloon participants busily prepare their own balloons for liftoff as they need to take advantage of ... Read full Blog post
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