The Old City of Jerusalem is one of the most significant and largest cities in Palestine, notable for its religious, cultural, and political importance. It is situated within the central highlands of Palestine, between the Mediterranean Sea and the northern end of the Dead Sea. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1981 by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan under criteria (ii), (iii), and (vi), and was subsequently placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1982.
The Old City of Jerusalem is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and holds sacred significance for the three monotheistic religions. Its well-preserved ancient Islamic architecture, quarters, sacred buildings, streets, and markets reflect the diverse cultures and religions that the city has embraced. The cultural and religious traditions are still alive in Jerusalem today, making it a vibrant testament to human history.
Archaeological excavations have shown that the city's history dates back more than 5,000 years, evidenced by its numerous historical sites and sacred places, totaling over 220 landmarks. These include the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built in the 4th century AD, one of the holiest Christian sites associated with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the Al-Haram al-Sharif, built in the 7th century AD, featuring notable structures such as the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, an architectural masterpiece.
Throughout its history, Jerusalem has been known by various names, including Urusalim, Aelia Capitolina, Beit Al-Maqdis, and Al-Quds. Its rich history and cultural landmarks provide exceptional testimony to the civilizations that have flourished in the city from the Bronze and Iron Ages through the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Crusader, Umayyad, Abbasid, Fatimid, Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods.