Facts About the Holy Land
The Holy Land refers to an area in Western Asia that sits along the eastern Mediterranean coastline between Lebanon and the Jordon River. This land is significant to Jewish, Christian, Islam, and Bahá'í religions, which can trace their origins to this geographical area. Many regard this land as holy because it is considered to be a gift from their God, though the conceptions of God differ. Thousands of people from diverse backgrounds visit the Holy Land yearly to experience its perceived significance and rich culture.
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The Facts
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The Holy Land is known in the West primarily for its association with Jesus. However, the Holy Land is also significant to Jews and Muslims for religious reasons. Jerusalem is where Jesus lived the majority of his life and it is also believed to be where Muhammad traveled and taught his disciples. The historical importance of the Holy Land can be traced as far back as the era of small kingdoms when the Hebrews established their monotheistic religion around 1200 B.C. According to Stanley Chodorow, contributing writer of "A History of the World," the Hebrews were unique in that they "resisted absorption by the waves of conquerors that passed over Southeast Asia." The new age of empires beginning around 750 B.C. only brought more turmoil as different invasions took place.
Geography
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The Holy Land isn't one city or country. The term refers to the geographical area that includes Israel, Syria, Jerusalem, Judea and Nazareth. It includes the geographical area along the western coast of the Mediterranean Sea, and Galilee and Samaria are also included in this area.
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History
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The Holy Land is unique in that it has historical significance to different religious faiths. The Crusades, occurring from late 1000 to 1200 A.D., were the result of a Christian reaction to Muslim conquest of Palestine and Syria. Peter Charanis, author of "Aims of the Medieval Crusades and How They Were Viewed by Byzantium," states that the First Crusade was "holy war." The struggle for control over this land is ideological and has sparked many wars and conflicts throughout history. For Jews, the Western Wall in Jerusalem is considered to be the most sacred spot in the land. Many areas are significant to Christians because they are where Jesus lived and taught. This diversity makes the Holy Land rich with artifacts and architecture. Jerusalem is the most significant of the major cities within the area and, because of its turbulent background, its future remains uncertain.
Significance
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In Judaism, the Holy Land is linked to the holy cities mentioned in the Old Testament. These cities include Jerusalem, Tiberius, Hebron and Tzfat. The Holy Land, and especially Jerusalem, is considered by Jews to be a divine gift from God, and it's significance can be traced to King David. In Christianity, the Holy Land is significant because it is the place of the birth, life, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus, who Christians believe is the Messiah. For Muslims, the Holy Land is significant because they believe the land west of the Jordan River is sacred. It is thought that Muhammad traveled from Makkah to Jerusalem in one night. Islam Online states that the importance of Holy Land is "evident by the frequent references to it in both the Qur'an and the hadiths."
Features
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Because of its diverse background, the Holy Land contains many distinguishing landscapes and architecture. Bethlehem, Nazareth, Capernaum, the Jordan River, Caesarea and Haifa are places worth visiting and exploring for their rich cultural value. Many historic sites are preserved, and thousands tour the Holy Land every year in an effort to experience the history represented in this area.
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