in the middle east

In addition to being a student at the Hebrew University, I also applied to become a "research fellow" at the Albright Institute of Archaeological Research. Why, you ask? Well, there are interesting lectures and events from time to time, but mostly because of the great field trips that are offered all over the country by expert historians and archaeologists. Last Sunday, we got a guided tour of the Islamic architecture of the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa mosque by a man named Ahmed Nattara, who has published on the subject. This was an exceedingly rare opportunity, because we got to go inside of both buildings! These have been off limits to visitors for over 6 years now, ever since Ariel Sharon marched onto the temple mount with 200 Israeli soldiers as a political statement of Israel's sovereignty over all of Jerusalem. The event incited riots against the Israeli government in Jerusalem and all over the West Bank in a movement now called the Intifata. Because of this, visitors are no longer allowed inside the Dome, the Mosque, nor even the Islamic museum nearby. And given the present political circumstances, it is unlikely that they will be open to visitors for many years to come. So then, enjoy these rare photos and video of the inside of these very special, and controversial places. Click Here.