What country is jerusalem in?

By HotBotUpdated: July 15, 2024

Introduction to Jerusalem

Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history that spans thousands of years. It holds profound religious significance for several major religions including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Understanding the country Jerusalem is in requires delving into its complex historical, political, and religious context.

Historical Context

Jerusalem's history is marked by a series of conquests and rulers, each leaving their mark on the city. The ancient city has been controlled by various empires including the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans.

Ancient Period

Jerusalem was established as a significant city as far back as the Bronze Age. King David conquered the city in approximately 1000 BCE, making it the capital of the Kingdom of Israel. His son, King Solomon, built the First Temple, cementing Jerusalem's centrality in Jewish worship.

Roman and Byzantine Eras

In 70 CE, the Romans destroyed the Second Temple, a pivotal moment in Jewish history. The city later came under Byzantine control, during which it remained an important center for Christianity.

Islamic Rule

In 637 CE, Jerusalem was captured by the Rashidun Caliphate, marking the beginning of Islamic rule. The Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque were constructed, making the city a significant site for Muslims.

Crusades and Ottoman Period

The city changed hands several times during the Crusades. In 1517, Jerusalem became part of the Ottoman Empire, which ruled it for 400 years until the end of World War I.

Modern Geopolitical Context

The modern political landscape of Jerusalem is shaped by the events of the 20th and 21st centuries. Understanding these events is crucial to answering the question of what country Jerusalem is in.

British Mandate and UN Partition Plan

After World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain the mandate to govern Palestine, including Jerusalem. The UN proposed a partition plan in 1947, suggesting Jerusalem be an international city, a corpus separatum, due to its unique religious significance.

1948 Arab-Israeli War

In 1948, the State of Israel was declared, leading to the first Arab-Israeli war. Jerusalem was divided between Israel, which controlled the western part, and Jordan, which controlled the eastern part, including the Old City.

1967 Six-Day War

In the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel captured East Jerusalem and later annexed it, a move not internationally recognized. The international community remains divided, with some countries recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and others not.

Religious Significance

Jerusalem's religious significance transcends national borders, contributing to the complexity of its political status.

Judaism

For Jews, Jerusalem is the site of the ancient Temples, the holiest place in Judaism. The Western Wall, a remnant of the Second Temple, is a focal point for Jewish prayer and pilgrimage.

Christianity

Christians revere Jerusalem as the city where Jesus was crucified and resurrected. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, located in the Christian Quarter of the Old City, is a central pilgrimage site.

Islam

Muslims regard Jerusalem as the location of the Prophet Muhammad's Night Journey and ascent to heaven. The Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque are key Islamic landmarks.

International Recognition

The international community remains divided on the status of Jerusalem.

United Nations

The United Nations has passed numerous resolutions addressing the status of Jerusalem, generally advocating for a two-state solution with Jerusalem as a shared capital.

United States

In 2017, the United States recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moved its embassy there. This decision sparked international debate and differing responses from various countries and organizations.

European Union

The European Union supports a two-state solution and generally does not recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, advocating for negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.

Current Status

Today, Jerusalem is administered by Israel, and it functions as the country's capital. The Israeli government and Knesset (parliament) are located there. However, Palestinians also claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

Israeli Perspective

Israel considers Jerusalem its "eternal and undivided" capital. This viewpoint is enshrined in Israeli law and supported by the majority of Israeli citizens.

Palestinian Perspective

Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of a future independent state. This claim is supported by many Arab and Muslim-majority countries, as well as various international organizations.

Jerusalem's status and the question of what country it belongs to are subjects of intense international debate, deeply rooted in millennia of history and religious significance. The city's complex narrative continues to evolve, offering a rich tapestry for those who seek to understand its place in the modern world.

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