Temple Mount Entrance

Entering the Old City of Jerusalem at the Dung Gate, we headed to the only Temple Mount gate for non-Muslim pilgrims. To get to the temple gate we climbed a wooden pedestrian bridge near the Western Wall plaza area. The area was heavily guarded. We went through security, passing through metal detectors and sending our belongings through x-ray scanners. The site is under Israeli sovereignty but is administered by the Muslim Waqf (a religious trust). They determine if and when the Temple Mount can be visited. The day we visited, two Waqf men set at the entrance to determine if visitors clothing met their modesty requirements. No women's skin is to show from the neck down except for the hands and feet.
The Dung Gate in Hebrew is Sha'ar Ashpoth which means 'Gate of Garbage'. When the First Temple still existed in Jerusalem, all the garbage and ash from sacrifices were taken out through this gate. The Dung Gate is an entrance to the Jewish Quarter.Read more