Jerusalem

Yes, the city held by the Turks was Jerusalem, particularly during the Ottoman Empire, which controlled the city from 1517 until World War I in 1917. Jerusalem has significant religious importance to Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, and it was an important city for the Ottomans. The city's status and control have changed multiple times throughout history, reflecting its complex and contested nature.

Jerusalem covers an area of approximately 48.5 square miles (125.1 square kilometers). This includes both the city itself and its surrounding areas. The city's boundaries encompass a rich tapestry of historical, religious, and cultural sites.

Since its establishment in 1948, Israel's Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have welcomed thousands of volunteers from various countries. Estimates suggest that around 3,000 to 5,000 foreign volunteers have served in the IDF, with many coming from the United States, Canada, and Europe. These volunteers have participated in various roles, including combat, medical, and support positions, reflecting a diverse range of backgrounds and motivations.

Before the Crusades, Jerusalem was a contested city with significant religious and political importance to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. In 638 CE, the city fell to Muslim rule under Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, leading to a relatively tolerant era for its diverse religious communities. Over the centuries, Jerusalem changed hands multiple times, with periods of Christian rule, notably during the Byzantine Empire, followed by the Islamic conquests. By the late 11th century, the Seljuk Turks controlled the city, causing tensions and violence that contributed to the call for the Crusades.

Before the Dome of the Rock was constructed in the late 7th century, the site was home to earlier religious structures, including the First and Second Jewish Temples. The First Temple, built by King Solomon, was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE, while the Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. Additionally, the site has historical significance as it is believed to be where Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac, making it a sacred location in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Dome of the Rock was built by the Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik as a monument to Islamic faith and heritage.

Jerusalem was captured by the Babylonians in 586 BCE under King Nebuchadnezzar II, leading to the destruction of the First Temple and the Babylonian Exile of the Jewish people. The city was later taken by the Romans in 70 CE during the First Jewish-Roman War, resulting in the destruction of the Second Temple. Throughout history, various groups have captured Jerusalem, including the Crusaders in 1099 and Saladin in 1187. Each conquest was driven by a combination of military strategy, political power, and religious significance.

After the completion of the Jerusalem walls, the people were led in revival and reform by Nehemiah and Ezra. Nehemiah focused on restoring the community and strengthening its defenses, while Ezra, a priest and scribe, emphasized the spiritual renewal of the people through the reading and interpretation of the Law. This collaboration helped to reinstate the covenant relationship between the Israelites and God, fostering a sense of unity and commitment among the community.

In 600 BC, the population of Jerusalem is estimated to have been between 20,000 to 30,000 people. This figure reflects a time when the city was an important center for the Kingdom of Judah, with a mix of residents including Israelites and various other groups. Its strategic location and religious significance contributed to its development during this period. However, specific population figures from that time are difficult to ascertain due to the lack of comprehensive records.

Some trips to recapture Jerusalem are known as the Crusades, a series of religious wars initiated by European Christians during the medieval period. The most notable among them is the First Crusade, launched in 1096, which successfully captured Jerusalem in 1099. Subsequent Crusades, including the Second and Third, also aimed to reclaim the city but met with varying degrees of success and failure. These expeditions were driven by a mix of religious zeal, territorial ambition, and the desire to control important trade routes.

The term "New Jerusalem" typically refers to a biblical concept described in the Book of Revelation, symbolizing a heavenly city that will descend from heaven. It is not a physical location on Earth and thus does not belong to any geographic region, including Asia. However, there are places named "New Jerusalem" in various locations, but these are not directly related to the biblical concept.

The distance from Jerusalem to the Judean Hills varies depending on the specific location within the hills, but it is generally around 10 to 30 kilometers (6 to 18 miles) from the city center. The Judean Hills stretch to the west and south of Jerusalem, providing a picturesque landscape and numerous archaeological sites. The proximity makes them a popular destination for hiking and exploring nature.

Jerusalem holds profound significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. For Jews, it is the site of the ancient Temple and the spiritual center of their faith. Christians revere it as the location of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, making it a pivotal place in their religious narrative. For Muslims, Jerusalem is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, and is believed to be where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven during the Night Journey.

Many Muslims believe that God supports their connection to Jerusalem, particularly due to its significance as the location of Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is considered the third holiest site in Islam. This belief is often intertwined with the political and spiritual importance of the city in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, views on divine support can vary among individuals and communities, influenced by personal beliefs, political perspectives, and interpretations of religious texts. Overall, Jerusalem holds profound religious and cultural significance for Muslims, reinforcing their sense of belonging and faith in the area.

Zerubbabel returned to Jerusalem in 538 BCE, following the decree of Cyrus the Great, which allowed the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland after the Babylonian captivity. He played a crucial role in the rebuilding of the Temple, often referred to as the Second Temple, which began shortly after his arrival. Zerubbabel is a key figure in the post-exilic period of Jewish history.

Gibraltar is approximately 2,200 kilometers (about 1,367 miles) away from Jerusalem. This distance can vary slightly depending on the specific route taken, whether by air or land. The most direct route is typically by air, while driving would involve a longer journey due to road conditions and routes.

In 1184, Jerusalem was under the control of the Crusaders as part of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, established after the First Crusade. During this time, the city was experiencing relative stability and prosperity, characterized by its diverse populations of Christians, Jews, and Muslims. However, tensions remained high due to the ongoing conflicts with Muslim forces, particularly those led by Saladin, who sought to reclaim the city. The situation would ultimately lead to the pivotal events of the Third Crusade just a few years later, following Saladin's capture of Jerusalem in 1187.

Evidence suggesting that Sennacherib was not successful in conquering Jerusalem includes the biblical account in 2 Kings 19, which describes how an angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading Sennacherib to retreat. Additionally, archaeological findings, such as the lack of Assyrian inscriptions claiming victory over Jerusalem, support the idea that the city remained unconquered. The historical records from both Assyrian and Jewish sources indicate that while Sennacherib besieged Jerusalem, he ultimately failed to capture the city.

I don't have real-time data or specific hours for locations. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the hours of Bituach Leumi on Shimon Ben Shetach Street in Jerusalem, it's best to check their official website or contact the office directly.

The old name for Jerusalem is "Jebus," which was used during the time of the ancient Jebusite inhabitants before the city was captured by King David. Another historical name is "Salem," as mentioned in the context of Melchizedek in the Bible. These names reflect the city's long and complex history as a significant religious and cultural center.

Nehemiah went back to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity to encourage the people to rebuild the walls of the city. As a cupbearer to the Persian king, he received permission and resources to undertake this mission. Upon his arrival, he inspired the Israelites to unite and work together to restore the city's defenses, overcoming opposition and challenges along the way.

The Dome of the Rock is an iconic Islamic shrine located in Jerusalem, distinguished by its stunning golden dome that rises prominently over the city. The structure features intricate tile work in shades of blue, green, and gold, adorned with Arabic calligraphy and geometric patterns. It is octagonal in shape and surrounded by a colonnade with marble pillars, while the interior houses a sacred rock, believed to be the site of significant religious events. The overall design reflects a blend of Byzantine and Islamic architectural styles.

The distance from Jerusalem, Israel, to Tyre (Tyr), Lebanon, is approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) if traveling in a straight line. However, the actual travel distance can vary depending on the route taken, typically ranging from 100 to 120 kilometers (62 to 75 miles) by road. The journey usually involves crossing the border between Israel and Lebanon.

In the context of biblical prophecy, particularly in the Book of Revelation, the two men preaching in Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives during the last days are often interpreted as the two witnesses. While their identities are not explicitly named in the scripture, many scholars and theologians suggest that they could be figures like Moses and Elijah or Enoch and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets. They are described as having significant authority and performing miracles, ultimately proclaiming God's message during a tumultuous period.

The most noted structure for its dome is the Pantheon in Rome, Italy. Built around 126 AD, it features a massive concrete dome with a central oculus, which remains the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. The design of the Pantheon has influenced numerous buildings throughout history, showcasing the architectural ingenuity of ancient Rome. Its dome symbolizes the heavens and has become an iconic element of Roman architecture.

Cities approximately 2000 miles from Jerusalem include Mumbai, India; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; and Istanbul, Turkey. The exact distance may vary slightly based on specific locations within those cities and the measurement method used. Additionally, cities in Europe and North Africa could also fall within that range, depending on their geographical positioning.