What country is jerusalem in?
Updated: July 15, 2024Introduction 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.
Related Questions
The cities of Bethlehem and Jerusalem hold significant importance in history, religion, and culture. Located in the Middle East, these cities are central to the narratives of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Understanding the distance and the journey between these two cities offers insights into their historical and contemporary relevance.
Ask HotBot: How far is bethlehem from jerusalem?
Jerusalem artichoke, also known as sunchoke, is a tuberous root vegetable belonging to the sunflower family. Known for its nutty and slightly sweet flavor, it is used in various culinary applications, including salads, soups, and purees. The unique carbohydrate profile of Jerusalem artichoke, primarily composed of inulin, makes it a favorite among health enthusiasts and those managing blood sugar levels.
Ask HotBot: Jerusalem artichoke where to buy?
Jerusalem holds a profound place in Islamic history. The city's connection with Islam dates back to the early days of the religion. It was the first qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims before the qibla was changed to the Kaaba in Mecca. This historical aspect roots Jerusalem deeply in the spiritual practices of Muslims.
Ask HotBot: Why is jerusalem important to muslims?
Jerusalem is a city of profound historical, religious, and political significance. Geographically, it is located in the Middle East, specifically in the region known as the Levant. The city lies on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea. The geographical coordinates of Jerusalem are approximately 31.7683° N latitude and 35.2137° E longitude.
Ask HotBot: What continent is jerusalem in?