A golden landmark in the Old City center.
It’s very easy to spot the Dome from far away. It sparkles & glitters in the sunlight, covered with 80kgs of gold foil.
But kind a difficult to visit the area. Out of 12 entrances only 1 acces gate is opened to the public. Mughrabi gate -check upfront the time table as opening hours varies- is the only entrance for non-muslims next to the Western Wall. All others are controlled by heavy armoured Israeli police officers.
We tried several other entrances but were summoned to retrace our steps on every attempt. The Temple Mount itself is controlled by the Islamic Waqf. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter Haram Al-Sharif without the approval of Doctor Yusuf. We almost managed to get in contact with him but sadly missed him by minutes. Speaking with a French Muslima proved once again entering the Temple is difficult. Her non-Muslim husband, yes they were married, could not join his wife to visit. Before she entered she had to put on her borrowed khimãr.
Palestinian residents of Jerusalem and Israeli Arabs are permitted unrestricted access to the Temple Mount. Non-Muslims are only allowed 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the afternoon. We met some Palestinians having a little lunch during our afternoon visit. We happily accepted their invitation to join in. They actually came to Jerusalem to buy some traditional clothing for the cute little girl.
Next to the Dome of the rock you will find a peaceful garden a school and the al-Aqsa Mosque. Once you pull out of the crowd and start wandering in the garden the atmosphere gets more relax. Take some time to sit down and absorb your surroundings. The contrast with the anthill-like Old City is huge. Prepare yourself when time’s up. Some of the guards will yell and shout that you have to leave immediately.
