Welcome to the timeless city of Jerusalem, where history, religion, and culture converge! With a storied past that spans millennia, Jerusalem holds a special place in the hearts of people around the world. We’ve gathered 25 intriguing facts that will take you on a journey through the ancient streets of this sacred city, from its iconic landmarks to its diverse traditions. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply fascinated by the cultural richness of Jerusalem, these facts will provide you with a deeper understanding of this unique city’s significance. So, grab your passport, and let’s embark on a virtual pilgrimage to explore the wonders of Jerusalem together!
1-5 Interesting Facts About Jerusalem
1. Jerusalem is claimed as the capital by both Israel and Palestine, with Israel’s government institutions currently located there, while the state of Palestine plans to make it it’s capital in the future, though this claim has limited international recognition.
2. Jerusalem is the largest city in Israel and, if considered part of Palestine, would also be the largest city in Palestine.
3. Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history of human habitation dating back as long as 7000 years.
4. It is considered a holy city by the three major Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and holds significant religious and cultural significance for followers of these faiths.
5. With a population of 971,800 (and a metropolitan population of 1.3 million), Jerusalem is the largest city in Israel and/or Palestine.
6-10 Religious Facts About Jerusalem
6. Three-quarters of all tourists to Israel visit Jerusalem, indicating its significance as a major tourist destination.
7. Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, is located less than 10 kilometers from Jerusalem in the modern-day West Bank. The Last Supper and the crucifixion of Jesus are believed to have taken place in Jerusalem, making it a significant location in Christian religious history.
8. It is also home to the Tisch Family Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem which houses a variety of animals that are mentioned in the Bible and is considered one of the top attractions in the country.
9. Approximately 60% of the population in Jerusalem is Jewish, while about 37% are Palestinian, and only about 1.7% are Christian.
10. Despite its reputation for conflict, the crime rate in Jerusalem is ranked 36.48 by the Crime Index, which is similar to cities like Calgary in Canada or Moscow in Russia. It is also noted that Jerusalem is twice as safe as Detroit in the USA, indicating that the city is relatively safe for residents and tourists.
11-15 Insane Facts About Jerusalem
11. Jerusalem is home to over 60 museums, showcasing its rich history, art, and culture.
12. The Holocaust Museum, known as Yad Vashem, is one of Jerusalem’s most famous attractions outside the Old City. It contains an extensive collection of records and photos related to the Holocaust, with over 179 million pages of records and 450,000 photos documenting this tragic period in history.
Read More: 20 Horrifying Holocaust Facts That Every Human Should Know
13. Throughout history, Jerusalem has been home to many famous ancient and biblical residents, including King David, Solomon the Great, Isaiah, and Herod the Great, among others.
14. Archaeological evidence shows that humans have inhabited the area of Jerusalem for over 1 million years, with the earliest evidence of settlement dating back 7000 years.
15. In 30 CE, Jesus has crucified under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, and in 70 CE, the Romans destroyed much of the city, including the Second Temple.
16-20 Historical Facts About Jerusalem
16. In 635 CE, Umar, the father-in-law of Mohammad, conquered Jerusalem, and the city has been under Muslim rule for the majority of the last 1300 years.
17. In 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte planned to capture Jerusalem as part of his campaign in the Middle East but never made it that far and was ultimately unsuccessful in his efforts.
18. In the late 1800s, Jews across Europe initiated a movement known as Zionism, which aimed to establish a Jewish homeland in their historical land of Israel. In 1897, Jerusalem was chosen as the symbolic capital for the envisioned Jewish state during the First Zionist Congress held in Basel, Switzerland.
19. In 1920, the first Arab-Israeli conflict, known as the Nabi Musa Riots, took place in Jerusalem. This conflict was a series of violent clashes between Jewish and Arab communities in the city.
20. In 1949, after the establishment of the State of Israel, Jerusalem was officially declared as its capital. However, the status of Jerusalem remains a contentious and complex issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with conflicting claims and limited international recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel or Palestine.
21-25 Shocking Facts About Jerusalem
21. Jerusalem has a tumultuous history of being attacked 52 times, captured and recaptured 44 times, besieged 23 times, and destroyed twice, reflecting its strategic and religious significance over the centuries.
22. During the siege of Jerusalem in 1917, the British, in an effort to capture the city from the entrenched Ottoman garrison, resorted to airdropping cigarettes filled with large doses of opium, hoping to incapacitate the Ottoman soldiers. Surprisingly, This unconventional tactic reportedly worked.
23. In 1993, the golden covering of the Dome of the Rock, a significant Islamic shrine in Jerusalem, was refurbished following a generous donation of $8.2 million by King Hussein of Jordan, who sold one of his houses in London to fund the 80 kilograms of gold required.
24. Jews and Muslims have fought side-by-side in history to defend Jerusalem against Crusaders.
25. Natalie Portman, a renowned Hollywood actress, was born in Jerusalem.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 25 Interesting Jerusalem facts
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