Holy Sites: Shrine and Mosque

The Temple Mount platform or as known to Moslems as the Noble Sanctuary, while controlled by the state of Israel is in the care of the Moslem religion. On the platform is the Dome of the Rock, a shrine marking where Mohammed left on his celestial night journey to Heaven. There as well is the silver domed Al Aqsa mosque. The Dome of the Rock is among the holiest of sites for Moslems along with Mecca and Medina.

The Dome of the Rock shrine roof is made anodized aluminum. It could be as it was before, gold leaf, but the aluminum is in deference to avoiding temptation to anyone to steal the gold. The sentiment adds to the beauty of the place.

Temple Mount- the Noble Sanctuary is a place of peace and quiet. At various times there have been disruptions and conflict with authorities and radical Jewish groups. In the end, it seems, the inherent beauty and holiness win out.