Ibrahimi Mosque at Hebron
Considered to be the fourth holiest site in Islam, Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi (Sanctuary of Abraham) or Tomb of the Patriarchs dominates the city of Hebron. This 1000-year old mosque enshrines the tombs of the prophets Abraham “Ibrahim”, Isaac “Is’haq”, Jacob, and their wives. It is believed that the prophet Mohammad visited it on his night flight from Mecca to Jerusalem.
The structure may date from 1500 BC though Herod probably built the huge wall surrounding it. This site has been transformed by successive rules from a cave to the massive structure that it is today, as well as from a church, mosque and synagogue.
According to Arab legend, the massive stones of the walls built without mortar, were laid by King Solomon with the help of Genies or spirits. The construction of the walls and the pavement of the Haram, however, bear the unmistakable stamp of Herod the Great. Additional Crusader and Mamluk structures combine to make it one of the most impressive ancient monuments in the West Bank outside of Jerusalem.
