The Noble Sanctuary
A photographic and historical exploration of Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa Mosque

‘The Noble Sanctuary’

A first-of-its-kind book that explores the history and landmarks of the al-Aqsa mosque complex in Jerusalem

This project, which is photographed and produced by Bashar Tabbah, explores over 120 landmarks throughout the complex via beautiful documentary photography and thoroughly researched text provided by veteran scholar Dr.Robert Schick.

Introduction

Taking up a significant portion of the Old City of Jerusalem, the al-Aqsa sanctuary is an exceptional historical and religious complex. With the Dome of the Rock dominating a central platform, its unique architectural design and empowering golden dome is instantly recognisable the world over.

For many Muslims and non-Muslim alike the complex is hidden behind a veil of politics and conflict, with the Dome of the Rock taking centre focus while the rest of the complex is largely ignored. In reality it is a magnificent open-air museum, shrine, campus and public park, all rolled into one.

Measuring in at 144 acres, the area contains hundreds of landmarks from raised prayer platforms, to water fountains, schools, shrines, tombs and gates, each a snapshot of a history that spans 14 centuries.

To the Islamic world al-Aqsa stands shoulder to shoulder with the mosques of Mecca and Medina. Holding the honorary of al-Haram al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary), it’s recognised as the third holiest site in Islam due to its connection to the Prophet Muhammad’s ascension to heaven (known as al-Isra and Miraj).

The complex is also a symbol of the Palestinian Diaspora, a place that has been out of reach and off limits to the Arab and Muslim world for over 70 years (even those who live on the outskirts of Jerusalem need permission to visit the complex). This separation has elevated an already revered site into one of folkloric legend, which many yearn to see in person but are unable. The contention and violence over the decades has also affected the ability for non-Muslims to experience the site — entrance is restricted to a few hours a day with visitors only allowed to explore the exterior areas.

This restricted nature has also limited the number of publications available. There are almost no books that cover the entire complex in this manner, and those that are available are restricted to the Middle Eastern market or only focus on one or two structures in the complex.

About the Project and Book

In December 2019, while on a visit to Jerusalem, I endeavoured to find a good book that explores the complex’s vast history and landmarks. To my astonishment, there were little to no English books on the subject, while the available Arabic books were subpar in terms of quality, design and content.

Recognising my unique privilege as a British-Jordanian in accessing the site, as well as the potential for international interest in such a project, I began full-time development in January 2020.

My project has taken shape into a detailed photographic and historical exploration of al-Aqsa’s 120+ landmarks with a photographic archive containing over 15,000 photographs.I was also granted special access by the Royal Hashemite Court and the Awqaf committee in Jerusalem in order to access otherwise unseen sections of the complex, which elevated the collection to a whole new level and allowed for others to experience and see these hidden gems for themselves.

I then collaborated with prominent American historian Dr. Robert Schick, whose research focuses on Jerusalem and its history. Dr. Schick then spent over a year researching and writing about the complex, highlighting the historical, religious and social significance of each of its artefacts.

Additionally, the book also provides the reader with maps and graphics to help guide their understanding and add to the project’s design quality. The ones you see here were hand drawn by an exceptional illustrator based out of Spain by the name of Rocío Espín Piñar.

After the completion of both the text and the images, the book was laid out with the help of professional book designer Hazar Marji.

Click here for a sample section that you can explore for yourself

The book’s size will be set at 28 x 23 cm and will contain 280 pages. 

The book will be broken down into two major sections, the first contains a history essay of the complex as well as a magnificent section containing memoirs of people who have visited and interacted with the site over the last 14 centuries.

The second section is the main body of the book in which the complex is broken down into five sub-sections/chapters to represent the four points of a compass and its central point (The Dome of the Rock).

Below are a number of image mock-ups of how the book will look once complete.