The city is located within the Hebron mountain range, and it mediates the area between the Mediterranean Sea and the northern Dead Sea. As the crow flies, the city is located 52 km from the Mediterranean Sea, and it is 22 km from the Dead Sea, and 250 km from the Red Sea.
Jerusalem means the “Holy City” or the “City of Peace”. Like Bethlehem, Jerusalem is an important city for three religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
During its history Jerusalem has been destroyed two times. It has been captured and recaptured 44 times throughout history, which speaks to the significance of Jerusalem’s prime locale. Jerusalem’s importance on the world stage continues to this day.
According to 2011 statistics, there are about 801,000 people living in Jerusalem. Of this population 497,000 are made up of groups comprised of 62% Jewish, 35% Muslim, and 2% Christian. Only a remaining 1% does not belong to a religious group.
The city of Jerusalem is comprised of a number of quarters, such as the Christian quarter which is located in the northwest of the city. You will find the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Mamilla Pool, the Via Dolorosa, and a Herodian Cistern.
Armenian Christians are found in the Armenian Quarter which is located in the southwest corner of the Old City. This quarter contains the Zion Gate and, to the south of this gate, one will find the historic Mount Zion. In addition, it is home to the Tower of David, a late First Century temple fortification, a monastery, and an Armenian Orthodox cathedral, and museum.
The Jewish Quarter is located in the southeast of the Old City. You will find the Mount of Olives where it believed that Jesus often made sermons. There are a number of Christian churches in this quarter.
The Muslim Quarter is located in the northeast of the Old City. This quarter, apart from its name, contains number of Christian attractions such as Ecce Homo and half of the Via Dolorosa. It is the biggest quarter in the Old City. It also includes historical sites, such as the Bethesda Pools which were built between 800 and 200 BCE.
Jerusalem has the third holiest sites for all Muslims in the world, Al-aqsa Mosque or “the Farthest Mosque” which is located in the Old City of Jerusalem as well as the Dome of the Rock. Muslims believe that Muhammad was transported from the Sacred Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia to al-Aqsa during the Night Journey.
