The Remarkable Rebirth of Saladin's Pulpit
The city of Salt in Jordan has recently completed a monumental project: the reconstruction of the historic pulpit of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi, a masterpiece that once graced the Al-Aqsa Mosque. This initiative arose following the devastating fire caused by extremist Dennis Michael Rohan, which severely damaged the mosque and obliterated the original pulpit. The new pulpit, designed and crafted by Al-Balqa Applied University, reflects the exquisite craftsmanship of Islamic art, utilizing an interlocking technique that requires no adhesives or nails.
A Historical Legacy Restored
Originally built by Nur al-Din Zengi nearly 20 years before the conquest of Jerusalem in 1187, Saladin's pulpit was a symbol of Islamic heritage. Following the tragic fire incident 55 years ago, which left only remnants of the original structure, the late King Hussein bin Talal initiated the project to recreate this historical artifact. Under the guidance of his successor, King Abdullah II, a team of skilled artisans meticulously crafted the new pulpit, which consists of 16,500 pieces—some as small as a few millimeters.
Cultural Significance and Artistic Excellence
The completed pulpit was transported back to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in January 2007, restoring a significant piece of Islamic history to its rightful place. The reconstruction emphasizes not only the artistic beauty of the pulpit but also its engineering precision, designed according to Islamic proportions. As Muhammad Akef Arabiyat, one of the craftsmen, notes, this project was not merely a restoration; it was a rebirth of a cultural icon that embodies the rich legacy of Islamic craftsmanship.
- The history of Saladin's pulpit is deeply intertwined with the events surrounding the Crusades and the Islamic heritage of Jerusalem. The original pulpit, crafted in Aleppo, Syria, symbolized the triumph of Saladin over the Crusaders and served as a pivotal point for Islamic teachings in the region. The reconstruction project serves not only to restore a physical structure but also to reaffirm the cultural identity and historical significance of the Islamic faith in Jerusalem. This project has garnered attention not just locally but across the Islamic world, as it resonates with themes of resilience and heritage preservation.
