Golden Gate (Jerusalem) facts for kids
The Golden Gate is a very old and important gate in the Old City of Jerusalem. Its Hebrew name is Sha'ar HaRachamim, which means "Gate of Mercy". In Arabic, it's called Bab al-Dhahabi. This gate is on the eastern side of the city walls. It used to be the main way to get from outside the city into the Temple Mount area.
Many people believe this gate is special. In Jewish tradition, it's said that the Messiah (a special leader) will enter Jerusalem through this gate. For Christians, it's believed that Jesus walked through this gate when he came to Jerusalem.
Around the 1500s, an Ottoman Sultan (a powerful ruler) had the gate blocked up. A Muslim cemetery was also built in front of it. Some people think this was done to try and stop the Messiah from entering through the gate.
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Why is the Golden Gate Important?
The Golden Gate holds deep meaning for different religions. It is not just a part of the city wall. It is a symbol of hope and future events for many people.
Jewish Beliefs about the Gate
For Jewish people, the Golden Gate is very important. They believe that the Messiah will arrive in Jerusalem through this gate. This belief has been passed down for many centuries. It is a key part of their tradition about the future.
Christian Beliefs about the Gate
Christians also have a special connection to the Golden Gate. They believe that Jesus entered Jerusalem through this gate. This event is a significant part of the Bible story. It makes the gate a holy place for Christians.
How the Golden Gate Was Built
The Golden Gate is found on the eastern wall of the Temple Mount. The gate we see today was likely built around 520 AD. It was part of a big building project by Emperor Justinian I in Jerusalem. This new gate was built on top of an even older gate.
Some experts think it was built later, in the late 600s. They believe Byzantine builders working for the Umayyad rulers created it. Inside the gate, there is a vaulted hall. It has four columns that divide it into two paths. These paths lead to two doors, called the Door of Mercy and the Door of Repentance. There is also an upper room with two dome-shaped ceilings.
Why the Gate Was Sealed Shut
The Golden Gate has been closed and reopened several times throughout history.
- In 810, Muslim rulers closed the gate.
- Then, in 1102, the Crusaders reopened it.
- After taking Jerusalem back in 1187, Saladin had the gate walled up again.
The gate was rebuilt along with the city walls by Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. But in 1541, he ordered it to be sealed shut once more. It has stayed closed ever since.
Reasons for Sealing the Gate
Suleiman the Magnificent might have closed the gate for defense. It would make the city harder to attack. However, there is another popular belief. In Jewish tradition, the Messiah is expected to enter Jerusalem through the Golden Gate. Many believe Suleiman sealed it to prevent this from happening.
The Ottomans also built a cemetery right in front of the gate. This was done because of a belief that the Messiah's helper, Elijah, would not be able to pass through a cemetery. If Elijah couldn't pass, then the Messiah would not come through the gate either.
Images for kids
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A model showing the Second Temple in the 1st century CE. The Shushan Gate is at the bottom.
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Jerusalem in a 1486 drawing. The Golden Gate looks damaged and sealed, just below the Dome of the Rock.
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The Golden Gate as seen from the western slopes of the Mount of Olives.
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A painting by Giotto di Bondone from 1305, showing a scene called Meeting at the Golden Gate.
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The Golden Gate in the 1920s.
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The Golden Gate as seen from inside the Temple Mount.
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See also
In Spanish: Puerta Dorada para niños
