Collapse at Western Wall prayer plaza

All photos are linked to medium-resolution photographs and may be used freely for personal and educational use.  Commercial use requires permission.  Unlike the rest of the photographs on this website, these photographs are not included in the Pictorial Library of Bible Lands.

Collapse

Following a snowfall on the night of February 14, 2004, a series of walls supporting the ramp leading to the Mugrahbi Gate of the Temple Mount collapsed.  For the past year, new pavement, railings and awnings were being installed on this walkway.  This is the only entrance to the Temple Mount open to non-Muslims.

Women's Prayer Area

The collapse of the wall has created an unstable slope in danger of further collapse.  The majority of the women's prayer area of the Western Wall has been closed because of the danger and a portion of the men's prayer area has been sectioned off for women.

Close-Up

Dr. Eilat Mazar says that the structures under the hill date to the Mamluk Period, but conceal earlier remains from the time of the Second Temple.  If the entire ramp were removed and excavations were allowed, a large gate ("Barclay's Gate") to the Temple Mount would be revealed.  A portion of the large lintel stone is visible today in the women's prayer area.

Related Web Pages at BiblePlaces.com

Western Wall

Temple Mount

Southern Temple Mount Excavations

Bulge in the Temple Mount's southern wall

Snow in Jerusalem