Where Is Jerusalem Situated

Jerusalem: A City of Three Faiths, Situated at the Heart of Conflict and History

Jerusalem, a city steeped in history and religious significance, is often at the center of global attention. Understanding its location is crucial to grasping its complex geopolitical role and enduring importance. This article aims to simplify the geographical context of Jerusalem, making its location clear and accessible to all.

I. The Geographic Heart of the Land: A Simple Map Perspective

Imagine a map of the Middle East. Jerusalem is situated in the Levant, a region encompassing parts of modern-day Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. It lies within the geographical area historically known as Canaan, and more recently as Palestine. Think of it as the geographic center of this historical region, a crossroads where ancient trade routes intersected. This central location played a vital role in shaping its history, attracting various empires and civilizations throughout millennia.

To help visualize this, consider using online maps like Google Maps or Bing Maps and search for "Jerusalem." Observe its location nestled amidst the Judean Mountains, relatively close to the Mediterranean Sea to the west and the Jordan River to the east. This proximity to both major bodies of water further enhanced its strategic importance.

II. The Country Question: Israel and the Palestinian Territories

The political landscape surrounding Jerusalem is exceptionally complex. The city is currently divided, with both Israel and Palestine claiming it as their capital. Israel controls the majority of the city, including West Jerusalem, which houses government buildings and many of its significant institutions. East Jerusalem, however, is a Palestinian area occupied by Israel since the Six-Day War in 1967. This division is a major source of conflict and fuels ongoing political negotiations.

For example, the Western Wall, a holy site for Jews, is located in West Jerusalem and under Israeli control. However, the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque, two of Islam's holiest sites, are located in East Jerusalem, a location that Palestinians view as central to their cultural and religious heritage, and whose control remains a contentious issue.

III. The Judean Mountains and its Elevated Position

Jerusalem's precise location is within the Judean Mountains, a range that forms a natural barrier running roughly north to south. This elevated position offered natural defensive advantages throughout history, making the city easier to defend against invaders. This contributed significantly to its longevity and resilience as a continually inhabited center.

Think of a castle perched high on a hill; Jerusalem's elevated location in the Judean Mountains provided a similar strategic advantage. The rugged terrain made it difficult for armies to approach, while also providing a clear vantage point.

IV. The Relationship to Other Major Cities

To understand Jerusalem’s location better, consider its proximity to other key cities. It's relatively close to Tel Aviv (Israel's economic center), Ramallah (a major Palestinian city), Bethlehem (a city with immense religious significance for Christians), and Amman (the capital of Jordan). These proximities highlight the city's role as a regional hub, connecting various centers of population and power.

V. Jerusalem's Significance: Beyond Geography

The location of Jerusalem is undeniably important, but its true significance goes far beyond mere geography. Its central location has made it a focal point for three major Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—each with deep historical and spiritual connections to the city. This religious confluence significantly shapes its cultural landscape, political dynamics, and ongoing significance in global affairs.

Actionable Takeaways:

Jerusalem's location in the Levant, within the Judean Mountains, is geographically central to the region.
Its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River further enhanced its historical importance.
The city's political status remains highly contested between Israel and Palestine.
Understanding Jerusalem's geographic location is key to understanding its historical and ongoing political significance.

FAQs:

1. Is Jerusalem a coastal city? No, Jerusalem is an inland city located in the Judean Mountains, a considerable distance from the Mediterranean coast.

2. What is the exact latitude and longitude of Jerusalem? The coordinates vary slightly depending on the specific point in the city, but a commonly used approximation is 31.77° N, 35.22° E.

3. Why is Jerusalem so important religiously? Jerusalem holds immense religious significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, containing holy sites central to each faith's history and beliefs.

4. Who controls Jerusalem today? Israel controls the majority of Jerusalem, including West Jerusalem, but the status of East Jerusalem remains a major point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

5. How can I learn more about Jerusalem's history and culture? Numerous books, documentaries, and online resources provide detailed information on Jerusalem's rich and complex past. Visiting the city itself offers an unparalleled experience.

Search Results:

What Continent Is Jerusalem In? - WorldAtlas 16 Jul 2018 · Jerusalem is located in the Middle East which is part of the Asian continent. Jerusalem dates as far back as about 5,000 years having been mentioned in Biblical stories. It is the capital city of Israel, and it is considered to be a holy city by the the Jewish people as well as Christians and the Muslims, a fact that has caused ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Jerusalem | History, Map, Religion, & Facts | Britannica 8 Apr 2025 · Long an object of veneration and conflict, the holy city of Jerusalem has been governed, both as a provincial town and a national capital, by an extended series of dynasties and states. In the early 20th century the city, along with all of historic Palestine, became the focus of the competing national aspirations of Zionists and Palestinian Arabs. This struggle often …

Where is Jerusalem - A visit in Israel Israel is located on the right side of the Mediterranean sea : Here you can see the location of Jerusalem within Israel : The dimensions of Israel : Horizontal : From Tel-aviv to the Jordan border : 73 Km (From Tel-Aviv to the West bank : 22 Km) Vertical :

Where is Jerusalem, Israel? Jerusalem Location Map Jerusalem is a city located in the Middle East, on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea. It is considered one of the oldest cities in the world and holds religious significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Jerusalem is located in modern-day Israel and is the largest city in the country.

Jerusalem - Wikipedia Jerusalem is situated on the southern spur of a plateau in the Judaean Mountains, which include the Mount of Olives (East) and Mount Scopus (North East). The elevation of the Old City is approximately 760 m (2,490 ft). [161] The whole of Jerusalem is …

Jerusalem - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jerusalem is a very old city. It has great importance for three religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.The Bible says King David, the second king of Israel, took this city from pagans and settled his palace there. King Solomon, David's son and the next king, built the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. Later, as capital of Judah, Jerusalem was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar II, the …

Geography of Jerusalem | Jerusalem Geography Map & Facts | Israel … Jerusalem is a city in the Middle East located in the country of Palestine but also under occupation of Israel. It is located on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea.

Where is Jerusalem? - Middle East Location Map - Maps of World Where is Jerusalem Located? by nextbyte. 2.6K. Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel and one of the oldest cities in the world. Jerusalem’s Old City is home to iconic religious sites, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock. The city is divided into Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian ...

Which Country is Jerusalem Located In? - WorldAtlas 7 Jan 2019 · Geographical Location Of Israel . The city of Jerusalem is located on a plateau in the Judean Mountains between the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean. It is surrounded by valley and dry riverbeds with the three valleys of Tyropoeon, Kidron, and Hinnon intersecting in an area south of the Old City of Jerusalem. Jerusalem experiences a hot-summer ...

About Jerusalem: The City, it’s Geographical Site, and it’s Location 8 Dec 2013 · Jerusalem is located on a latitude of 25.13 degrees north and 52.3 degrees east of Greenwich, and is 291 meters above sea level. It is twenty-two km from the Dead Sea, fifty-two Km from the Mediterranean Sea.