Today we will try to figure out which capital of Israel: Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. It turns out that those who claim that this is a modern city with the romantic name Hill of Spring, and others who give primacy to an ancient settlement in the Promised Land, are right.
A little bit about the country
Before resolving the eternal debate about which city the capital of Israel is: Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, we will tell you a little about the country itself. The state is located in the Middle East, in the lands that are mentioned in the Bible. A little more than eight million people live here. Having passed through centuries of misfortunes and wanderings, people managed to return to their homeland and revive it. Today this country is considered one of the most highly developed in the world in terms of economy, army, level of medicine, attractiveness for tourists. And although conflicts with neighbors in Israel arise quite often, it is he who is chosen for life by hundreds of thousands of immigrants. But pilgrims who want to visit the holy places of three world religions at once are not afraid of anything.
Two capitals of one state
So what is it, the capital of Israel - Tel Aviv or Jerusalem? Let's figure it out. According to official figures, the main political center of the country is ancient Jerusalem. But it is worth noting that only the government and religious centers are located in it. The remaining branches of human activity (culture, education, business, entertainment, trade) are concentrated in Tel Aviv. This is a young city with a special touch and unrivaled charm. Further, we will dwell in more detail on each of these capitals, since they are in no way inferior to each other.
Ancient jerusalem
So, which capital in Israel is Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, the reader already knows. The city, which is more than one thousand years old, today attracts people from all over the globe. Interestingly, there are no minerals; it is rather difficult to cultivate crops here. So why does humanity strive here to the land promised by God to all Jews? Hard to say.
The city of Jerusalem is already mentioned in the 18-19 centuries BC. Over the years of its existence, it has repeatedly passed from hand to hand: Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Turks, Egyptians, British left their traces in these lands. In May 1948, Israel became an independent state and began the countdown of its new life.
Jerusalem Attractions
The debate about which capital of Israel - Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, is underway even now. But the reader already knows the truth, so we invite him on a virtual trip to the sights of the ancient holy city. And there are at least a dime a dozen of them, and, as the locals say, every pebble here is a saint. Therefore, we stop discussing which capital city in Israel is Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, and go to the city of God.
- Mosque Dome of the Rock with a golden dome that is 20 meters in diameter, which is visible from any corner of the Old Town. This is an active shrine, erected on the site of the ascension of the Prophet Muhammad to heaven.
- The Wailing Wall is the only surviving wall of the Second Jerusalem Temple, destroyed by order of Titus. True, this is not part of the temple itself, but the remains of the supporting structures around the mountain. But still, every resident or guest of the city considers it his duty to come here and pray to the Almighty.
- The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is the greatest Christian shrine erected on the site of the crucifixion and burial, as well as the resurrection of Jesus. The first temple was built here by Elena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. According to legend, she found a cave in the dungeon where the body of Christ once rested, as well as a cross on which he was crucified.
- Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third most important shrine of Islam. It was in her direction that Muslims turned until the prophet transferred the qibla to Mecca.
- Via Dolorosa is the path Jesus walked carrying his cross to Calvary. This is a mourning road with 14 stops, where chapels have now been erected.
- St. James Cathedral in the Armenian quarter (12th century).
- Tsidkiyagu Cave, or the quarries of King Solomon.
- The church and monastery of St. Mary Magdalene (18th century), erected by order of the Russian emperor Alexander III.
- The Citadel of David. This is not a sacred building, but it served the people many times as a defense and a fortress.
Now the reader will forever remember which capital of the state of Israel is Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. And we continue our journey and go to another main city of this wonderful country.
Second capital
We continue our discussion about whether the capital of Israel is Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. In the city, which is rightly called the second capital of the state, more than a million people live. Its foundation date is 1909, and forty years later it became the capital of Israel. The hill of spring, and this is how the name of the settlement is translated, combines several cities: Jaffa, Holon, Petach-Tiqva, Ramat Gan, Bat Yam, Bene Baraq. It was in Tel Aviv, and not in Jerusalem, that the Ministry of Defense and many foreign embassies were located. This city is the center of commercial, financial, industrial and cultural life of the country.
Tel Aviv Attractions
Is the capital of Israel Tel Aviv or Jerusalem? The discussion continues, so we go on a tour of the modern and vibrant metropolis called Spring Hill. What interesting awaits a traveler who decides to stay here?
- Beaches on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. In fact, this is the entire western part of Tel Aviv, divided into sections. Each beach has not only its own name, but also a rescue service. They are equipped with bike paths and sports grounds, beckoning peace and quiet.
- Old Jaffa is a port that has well preserved its former appearance. Here pay attention to the Clock Square with a tower, the Museum of History, the Antiquities Square, the Old Port and the Flea Market.
- Carmel Market - the heart of local trade, a bustling bazaar with a unique oriental flavor, where you can hear all the languages of the world.
- Neve Tzedek district - once a prestigious quarter for the richest in the city. Today, museums, galleries, and boutiques work here.
- Museum of Art, located on an area of 18 thousand square meters.
- Rabin Square. This is the place where Yitzhak Rabin was killed . Today, a memorial is opened there, and meetings are held every year.
- Bazaar of artisans.
- Rothschild Boulevard - the first in the city.
- Yarkon Park is the largest park in the country, located on the river of the same name.
You can talk a lot about whether the capital of Israel is Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Each city is important and special in its own way. Do not believe? See for yourself by visiting them and strolling through their streets!