Jerusalem at the epicentre of the Middle East crisis

Every year, on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, millions of people around the world mobilise to mark the International Day of Al-Quds, the Arabic name for the city of Jerusalem. Established in 1979 by the leader of the Iranian Islamic Revolution, Imam Ruhollah Khomeini, the day is not merely a symbolic expression of solidarity with Palestine. It reflects the understanding that Jerusalem occupies a central place in the historical, political and civilisational struggle surrounding the Palestinian question. Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world. Founded around five thousand years ago, it has been ruled by many different peoples throughout history, yet Arab and Islamic presence has profoundly shaped its development. From the seventh […]