IRCICA Newsletter Issue 78

New Publication by IRCICA
Al-Quds
Jerusalem in historical photographs
Text: Kerim Balcı, Foreword: Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu, Preface: Halit Eren, IRCICA,
2009, xxxi, 435 pp. (in English, Arabic and Turkish editions)
This publication resulted from a major project IRCICA
devoted to the preservation of the multicultural
architectural and urban heritage of Al-Quds/Jerusalem,
“The” esteemed city of all the heavenly faith systems. The
Centre placed the book within the framework of the 40th
anniversary commemoration of the Organisation of the
Islamic Conference.
Prof. Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu, Secretary General of the
Organisation of the Islamic Conference, wrote the Foreword
to the album. İhsanoğlu underlines the importance of Al-
Quds/Jerusalem on universal scale, as a holy city for all three
heavenly religions. For Muslims, Al-Quds is the third holy
city after Makkah and Madina. Masjid al-Aqsa (“The farthest
mosque”) is Muslims’ first qibla – the direction faced when
praying. Throughout its history of several millennias the
city has been the cradle of various faiths and cultures. It was
always coveted by the main faith communities until modern
times. The Secretary General then states that resolution of
the conflict over Al-Quds and Palestine which is ongoing
since mid-20th century was the founding motive of the
OIC in 1969 and remains its foremost cause today. The OIC
reiterated on all occasions its strong belief that the problem
of Al-Quds is not just an Islamic issue but enjoys a wider
religious dimension. İhsanoğlu underlines in this regard that
preservation of the multicultural character of the city with
due respect of the populations and the shrines of each faith
is no doubt an indispensable part of any acceptable solution
of the problem.
In the Preface, Dr. Halit Eren explains that in its capacity
as the OIC’s research centre in charge of studies on history,
culture and preservation of heritage, IRCICA carries out
various activity programs relating to the urban, architectural
and socio-cultural heritage of Al-Quds and Palestine. Eren
refers to the history of Al-Quds/Jerusalem under the rule
of successive states and refers to the major restorations
conducted on Al-Quds monuments during Ottoman times;
the city was almost renewed during the reign of Suleyman
IRCICA Pubilications
22
Newsletter January -May 2009, NO: 78