Jerusalem

Jerusalem is a historic city in the Southern Levant, situated on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea. Widely regarded as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, it holds profound religious significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The city’s sacred status, complex past, and contested political symbolism make it a focal point of global historical memory and contemporary international affairs. Known in Arabic as Bayt al-Muqaddas or Bayt al-Maqdis, meaning “The Holy House”, it has long been central to Islamic religious geography alongside Mecca and Medina.

Historical Background and Development

Archaeological evidence indicates early settlement in the area now known as the City of David by the fourth millennium BCE, comprising encampments of nomadic pastoralists. By the fourteenth century BCE, under Canaanite rule, the city appeared in Egyptian texts as Urusalim, often interpreted as “City of Shalim”, referring to a Canaanite deity associated with dusk.
During the Iron Age, Jerusalem became the political and religious centre of the Kingdom of Judah. From the tenth century BCE, significant construction expanded the city, and by the ninth century it had become a prominent administrative hub. According to the Hebrew Bible, King David captured the Jebusite stronghold and established it as the capital of a united Israel, while his son Solomon sponsored the construction of the First Temple. Scholarly research, however, suggests continuity between Canaanite and early Israelite cultures, indicating that Israelite identity and monotheistic practices emerged from within the broader Canaanite milieu.
Under Ottoman rule, the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt for the last time in 1538 by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. These fortifications still outline the Old City, which has been traditionally divided into the Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim quarters. In 1981, the Old City was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and subsequently placed on the organisation’s List of World Heritage in Danger. From the nineteenth century onward, Jerusalem gradually expanded beyond its ancient boundaries, giving rise to modern neighbourhoods and infrastructure.
By 2022, the city’s population was approximately 971,800, consisting of roughly 60 per cent Jews and 40 per cent Palestinians. The religious demography remains diverse, encompassing Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and smaller communities.

Religious Significance

Jerusalem stands at the heart of religious tradition across the Abrahamic faiths.

• Judaism: For Jews, Jerusalem has been central since the establishment of David’s capital some 3,000 years ago. It became the locus of kingship, governance, temple worship, and judicial authority. In exile, Jerusalem’s memory and symbolism shaped Jewish identity, with generations praying for its restoration. Its sanctity is deeply rooted in biblical texts and liturgy and remains a defining element of Jewish historical consciousness.
• Christianity: The city’s holiness in Christianity arises from its role in the life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. Early Christians adopted the Greek Septuagint translation of the Hebrew scriptures, which contributed to the continued use of ancient references to Jerusalem’s sacred status. Sites such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre draw pilgrims from across the world.
• Islam: Jerusalem is the third-holiest city in Islam after Mecca and Medina. It was the first qibla, or direction of prayer, and is the location of the Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey and Ascension (Isra and Mi‘raj). The Temple Mount, known in Arabic as Al-Haram al-Sharif, houses the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque, both central to Islamic devotion.

These overlapping religious claims underscore the city’s enduring spiritual resonance and its role as a symbolic centre of faith.

Political Status and Modern Conflict

Jerusalem remains one of the core issues in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Under the 1947 United Nations Partition Plan, the city was designated a corpus separatum under international administration. The 1948 Arab–Israeli War divided the city: West Jerusalem came under Israeli control, while East Jerusalem, including the Old City, was occupied and annexed by Jordan.
In 1967, Israel captured East Jerusalem during the Six-Day War and subsequently extended municipal boundaries to incorporate it and additional surrounding areas. In 1980, the Jerusalem Law declared the unified city to be Israel’s capital. Israel’s governmental institutions—including the Knesset, the Supreme Court, and official residences—are located there. However, the international community does not recognise the annexation and generally regards East Jerusalem as occupied territory.
The State of Palestine also claims Jerusalem as its capital, envisaging East Jerusalem as the seat of future governance. The city’s political status remains unresolved and is a central element in peace negotiations.

Etymology

The name “Jerusalem” has been interpreted in various ways. One early etymology links it to the Semitic root yry, meaning “to found” or “to lay a cornerstone”. Another connects it to the ancient deity Shalim or Shalem, the Canaanite god of dusk, suggesting that the name once meant “Foundation of Shalim”. The city’s association with sanctity grew over time, particularly during and after the Second Temple period, and was reinforced in early Jewish, Christian, and Islamic texts.

Cultural and Urban Landscape

Today, Jerusalem combines layers of ancient heritage with modern development. Its Old City, though occupying a small area, contains some of the most significant religious sites in the world. The wider metropolis extends far beyond the old walls, comprising diverse communities, religious institutions, and cultural centres.