WHO OWNS JERUSALEM? Decoding Jerusalem's Indivisible Soul

Book excerpt: For millennia, Jerusalem has stood as a nexus of faith and conflict, where the sanctity of the holy clashes with the profane reality of conquest and occupation. From the Canaanites and Israelites to Crusaders, Ottomans, and today's contending Israeli and Palestinian claims, this ancient city's very existence has been a catalyst for unifying reverence and violent division. In this sweeping historical examination, Borna Ahadi takes readers on a deeply immersive journey that probes the complex narratives and clashing visions that have defined Jerusalem throughout the ages. Weaving together biblical accounts, archaeological research, and diverse cultural perspectives, the author unravels the intricate tapestry of traditions that have sacralized these revered stones while catalyzing their repetitive conquest. Why has this singular place nurtured sublime expressions of the divine and the intense pursuit of earthly domination? What deeper truths and symbols reside within its old walls? As the author guides us from Jerusalem's prehistoric origins through its monumental monuments and pivotal turning points, the haunting paradox at the city's heart emerges. Part gripping historical chronicle, part meditative spiritual exploration, 'Who Owns Jerusalem?' illuminates how the essence of the human condition - our duelling capacities for transcendence and tribalism - has been profoundly etched into Jerusalem's very existence. This book is a revelation for those seeking to finally understand the complexity of this universally cherished yet bitterly contested place.