The Holy Sepulchre Church, Jerusalem by wizardofnoz
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Description
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is built on the site of Golgatha. The site has checkered history right from the beginning of 313 CE. Renovations were completed in 1555. But frequent clashes continued on ownership, for the area inside had been divided in a complex fashion among the Greek Orthodox, Franciscans (Roman Catholic), Coptic, Eastern Orthodox, Armenian, Ethiopian and Syriac churches. Repeated clashes took place among them even over minor infringement of territory. Finally weary of all these squabbles, a "Status Quo" agreement was made 1852 -- on what is exclusive territory and what is common area.
In spite of the "Status Quo" agreement in 1852 on exclusive territory and common areas, clashes continue till today. For example above the second arch on the right is a window. If you look carefully, there is a ladder. Someone placed a wooden ladder there sometime before 1852, when the status quo defined both the doors and the window ledges as common ground. The ladder remains there to this day, in almost exactly the same position. It can be seen to occupy the ledge in century-old photographs and engravings.
The territorial fights continue even today. The most recent being -- On Palm Sunday, in April 2008, a brawl broke out due to a Greek monk being ejected from the building by a rival faction. Police were called to the scene but were also attacked by the enraged rawlers. Check this ink for more info -- http://www.haaretz.com/news/armenian-greek-worshippers-come-to-blows-at-jesus-tomb-1.244283
Comments (13)
0rest4wicked
Great narrative and an excellent image given the two very different light levels!
photosynthesis
It's sad that religions, which you would expect to foster values like peace & cooperation, so often end up causing violence & divisiveness. It's the "My god is the only true god" delusion. But a fine photo with lots of interesting architectural details & nice use of light & shadow to create visual interest...
rachris480907
Excellent picture, Noel, but this text just saddens me! What is the matter with these people? It's like they completely forget what Christianity is all about! I mean, I'm not surprised - I've lived long enough to understand human nature; but sometimes it still leaves me shaking my head back and forth and wondering why people can't get a clue! sigh Reference the photo itself, I really like the contrast of the bright light on the one wall and the softer light on the other. Very nicely framed!
Leije
Stunning shot and interesting infos, especially the ladder visible on the shot !
junge1
Fantastic capture and historical information. It is as contentious as the rest of the city and region!
Celart
Hard light, but nice shot
wizardofnoz
Yes, my dear friends it is indeed sad to see the divisions there... and Sig (jungle1) is right.
alida
nice architecture
mgtcs
What a marvelous building here, another spectacular capture, loved it alot, congrautaltions!
netot
I like the way you control the exposure for the darker areas without overexposing highlights. Great capture! it is sad that human beings Use even God as a pretext for greed, intolerance and hatred.
fallen21
Stunning capture!
Richardphotos
I am not surprised at all as many bloody wars have been and will be fought over religion so much history here and thanks for sharing this
FredNunes
Nicely composed! :-)