Can you picture yourself standing right before the **Gate of the East** in Jerusalem? It’s also known as the **Golden Gate** for a reason you might not immediately guess. This isn’t any ordinary gate though it looks a bit like a medieval archway. It is one of the eight gates of the Old City and the only one which is sealed shut. The **Gate of the East** has a monumental history. It was a major access point for travelers entering the **Temple Mount** and the city. It was a bustling thoroughfare during the time of the First Temple. Then, the **Gate of the East**, which is the oldest of the Old City gates (even if it doesn’t look that way), was closed by the Muslims in 810 AD and only reopened by the Crusaders. They were later forced to wall it up again.
In 1541, Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the Ottoman ruler, ordered the gate to be walled up, sealing its fate for the next few centuries. He had a cemetery placed in front of the **Golden Gate**, aiming to block the entry of the Messiah.
But the **Gate of the East**, although walled up, is still an important symbol for many religions. For the Jews, it’s the place where the Messiah will enter Jerusalem and usher in a new era for Israel. Christians find significance in the gate as Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
Muslims believe the **Gate of the East** is where Allah will judge the righteous on Judgement Day. They see it as a symbol of eternal life.
Over time, the **Gate of the East** has become a focal point of history, religious controversy, and cultural significance. It’s a reminder of the rich history of Jerusalem and the enduring beliefs of its inhabitants.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to