Temple Mount

Despite the exorbitant amount of papers I need to be writing, I am still making time to see those last places on my "can't miss" list. We went to the Temple Mount which is where the Dome of the Rock and the Al-aqsa Mosque are located. The Temple Mount is the sight where the second Jewish temple was built and was destroyed in 70 AD. The Dome of the Rock was erected between 685-691 AD. Because of its importance to both Jews and Muslims, the temple mount is one of the most contested religious sights in the world. The Jews believe that the "Divine Presence" dwells here and they are not allowed to go onto the Temple Mount by order of the Chief Rabi for fear of stepping into the "holy of holies". They believe that someday their third temple will be built here. The Muslims believe the Dome of the Rock houses the rock that Abraham sacrificed "Ishmael" on and also believe this rock was where Mohammad stood when he descended into heaven.
Waiting in line with the Al-asqa mosque and the Mt. of Olives in the background.

Kayt

There were a lot of Muslims coming and going on the Mt. Non-Muslims are not allowed in either mosque and only allowed entrance through one of the gates.

There were a whole bunch of little school children who were on a filed trip to the mosque.