The center from where we began

When approaching my study of Jerusalem a key phrase written by Mircea Eliade kept resonating with me. In his discussion of sacred spaces he deployed the idea of how “nothing can begin, nothing can be done, without a previous orientation” (Eliade, 22). Thus insinuating how there is a natural longing for a sense of order which provides a certain cosmological guidance. This orientation is a vehicle which delineates the cosmos from the chaos. It’s natural for humanity to cling onto any representation that can provide a defined boundary for their domain and above all a comprehension of their place in the cosmos. This is where the vitality of “orientation” comes in as it begins to provide the framework in which one’s surrounding can be understood. I would argue that Jerusalem as a physical space is much a product of this orientation. This plot of land is much more than simply a physical dwelling but instead it’s a perceived manifestation of the heavens on earth. In the sense that Jerusalem is a sacred ground where communication with a deity occurred and since cultivated. Thus, Jerusalem is coveted due to the advantageous position in which it resides in. In the words of Nizar Qabbani, this location represents the “swiftest path between heaven and earth” (City of Olive Branches). The perceived centrality of Jerusalem is a testament to the orientation it provides believers at a cosmological level. Jerusalem is of such significance due to the centrality that is associated with it in religious terms as well as its physical location. By being thought of as the center of the world, Jerusalem is prescribed tremendous significance as the perceived fate of the world resides on the powers associated with the land. Jerusalem has historically and continues to possess its significance as a location which provides orientation for the fateful as well as the stability of an entire region.