Entered by one of fifteen gates the Haram al-Sharif – the Noble Sanctuary is a feast of aesthetic architecture based on Islamic sacred geometric design. Dominated by the harmonic proportions of the octagonal Dome of the Rock – created by two squares offset by 45° – all the lesser structures were erected to reflect and enhance its glory.
In the mid 13th century a new force arose in the Arab world. Whole generations of slave children brought from the Caucasus region and reared as soldiers had risen to become the generals of Egypt’s army. These Mameluks had bought their freedom and now ousted the Ayyubid successors of Saladin (1171-1250).
Taking control of the powerful state they began a plan of territorial expansion. They brought down the remains of the Crusader Kingdom backed by the English and French kings Richard the Lionheart and Louis IX.
In 1291 they took the capital St. Jean d’Acre finally putting an end to the Frankish presence in the Holy Land.
During that time the Mameluks also stopped the hordes of invading Asian Mongols who had conquered Syria and seemed set to sweep through both Palestine and Europe.
From the victory at the Battle of Ein Harod (1260) in the Jezreel Valley (page 73), the Mameluks drove the Mongols back beyond the Euphrates.
Maintaining power till Selim I arrived in 1517 and began four hundred years of Ottoman rule, much of the Noble Sanctuary was constructed by Mameluk hands.
On the southern side of the plaza is a building once called the Mosque of the Moors. Originally built in 1194 by Saladin’s son al-Afdal, today it houses the interesting Islamic Museum.
Also worth a visit is the exquisite Museum of Islamic Art on Hapalmach St. in the West Jerusalem suburb of Rechavia.
This page is part of the book The Holy Land of Jesus
Follow News from JerusalemShare this page with your friends