The Western (Wailing) Wall and the Holy Esplanade
The Peripatetic Historian visits the most hotly-contested religious site on the planet
At the center of Jerusalem’s Old City stands the most hotly-contested piece of real estate on the planet: the Western Wall and the Holy Esplanade.
This is arguably the most important site in Judaism. It also played a significant role in early Christian history, and it is said to be the place where Mohammed prayed before his ascent to heaven.
The site is steeped in controversy. Even the name is disputed. For the Jews, it is known as Har haBayit (Temple Mount). Muslims name it al-Haram al-Shariff (Noble Sanctuary). Neither side agrees on a name, and a writer must be careful here: referring to the site as Temple Mount implies support for Israel’s claim of ownership; naming it al-Haram al-Shariff endorses the view that this is Islamic property.
The United Nations suggests that writers and journalists thread the needle by adopting a third moniker: the “Holy Esplanade.” This term appears to have no historical foundation. As with most attempts at political correctness, it trips at the first hurdle of colloquial usage: you won’t hear this name in the mouths of locals, nor will you find signs in the Old City directing you to the Holy Esplanade.
