Beneath the southeastern corner of the Temple Mount lies Solomon’s Stables. This underground chamber whispers tales of kings, knights, and conquests. Solomon’s Stables, also known as the Marwani Mosque, isn’t actually from King Solomon’s time. It’s a vaulted space, roughly 500 square meters, supported by rows of pillars and arches. The space sits 12.5 meters below the al-Aqsa Mosque courtyard. Originally, Herod the Great built this area. His engineers designed it as a series of arches to reinforce the Temple Mount platform. It was likely used for storage during the Second Temple period. Centuries later, the Crusaders, mistaking it for King Solomon’s stables, repurposed the space to house their cavalry. You can still see the rings they used to tether their horses on some of the pillars. This Crusader usage gave the place its enduring name, Solomon’s Stables. In 1996, the Jerusalem Waqf renovated the space. They added modern amenities like lighting and floor tiles. The area was then inaugurated as the Marwani Mosque. This transformation sparked controversy. The excavations unearthed artifacts from the First and Second Temple periods. Sadly, many were damaged due to improper handling during removal. Solomon’s Stables, now the Marwani Mosque, stands as a layered testament to history. It’s a blend of Herodian engineering, Crusader repurposing, and modern religious use. It invites us to contemplate the passage of time and the changing narratives that shape a sacred place.
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