1. Introduction
Place names in Israel are deeply entwined with religious pilgrimage traditions across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This article explores how the naming of pilgrimage sites shapes spiritual journeys, reinforces religious identities, and sustains cultural heritage.
2. Pilgrimage in Judaism
Jewish pilgrimage traditionally centred on Jerusalem and its Temple Mount (Har HaBayit), the holiest site (Deuteronomy 16:16). Other sacred sites include Hebron (Machpelah), Rachel’s Tomb, and the graves of biblical patriarchs and prophets, all bearing Hebrew names that connect pilgrims to ancestral history (Biran, 2014).
3. Christian Pilgrimage and Place Names
Christian pilgrims are drawn to locations associated with the life of Jesus and early Christianity, such as Bethlehem (Beit Lechem), Nazareth (Natzrat), and the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret). Place names on pilgrimage routes preserve scriptural narratives and provide tangible links to biblical events (Ehrlich, 2010).
4. Islamic Pilgrimage Sites
Islamic pilgrimage in Israel includes visits to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem (Al-Quds), both located on the Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary). Additionally, sites like Nabi Musa and Nabi Samuel are associated with Islamic traditions and named accordingly (Klein, 2009).
5. The Role of Place Names in Pilgrimage Experience
The toponyms themselves serve as spiritual markers, guiding pilgrims and anchoring religious stories in the landscape. The preservation or restoration of original names often reflects the religious significance and contested histories of these sites (Mango, 1995).
6. Conclusion
Religious pilgrimage in Israel is inseparable from the region’s toponymy. Place names not only direct physical journeys but also embody spiritual connections, sustaining centuries-old traditions across faiths.
References
- Biran, A. (2014). Pilgrimage and Sacred Space in Ancient Israel. Eisenbrauns.
- Ehrlich, M. (2010). Christian Pilgrimage in the Holy Land. Oxford University Press.
- Klein, M. (2009). Islamic Holy Sites in Palestine. Routledge.
- Mango, C. (1995). The Archaeology of Sacred Places. Thames & Hudson.