Al-Quds (Jerusalem) is one of the world’s most revered destinations, and the video by Hamzeh Afghani focuses on a question many visitors ask before they arrive: what is actually inside Al-Aqsa Mosque? Rather than a single impression, the footage describes the compound as a richly layered space filled with landmarks—each with its own role and identity.
According to the video, the area includes more than 200 landmarks within the mosque complex, ranging from domes and prayer areas to minarets, structures and other features. The message is clear: if you’re visiting Al-Aqsa, you’re not stepping into one simple site—you’re entering a whole world of sights connected by history and spirituality.
Important note on the domes and landmarks
A key point from the video is that not every dome you see is “the” Al-Aqsa Mosque itself. For example, the dome shown behind the presenter is described as a landmark within Al-Aqsa, not Al-Aqsa itself. The video also mentions the size of this particular feature as 1441 square metres, using it as an example of how different elements within the compound can be distinct and recognisable.
What the video describes as inside Al-Aqsa
Within Al-Aqsa, the video highlights a wide variety of features. While the exact presentation is tailored to what is visible in the footage, the main takeaway is the variety of structures and spaces.
More than 200 landmarks within the complex
The video states that there are over 200 landmarks inside Al-Aqsa. That includes prominent architectural elements and functional spaces used for worship and movement throughout the area.
Prayer spaces and domes
The video points to a mosque space facing the direction of prayer and notes that the colour of its dome is “lead/grey” (رصاصي). It also references other prayer spaces (مصليات) within Al-Aqsa, underscoring that worship areas are distributed across the compound.
Minarets, arches and other features
In addition to prayer areas and domes, the video mentions minarets (مآذن), structures/markers (مساطر), wells (آبار) and other domes (قباب). It’s presented as an interconnected set of sights rather than one fixed point.
Gates and entry points mentioned in the video
Part of the video’s guidance is practical: it describes the number of gates visitors can use and highlights a restriction relating to one specific gate.
8 gates open out of 15 (as stated)
The video says that when you decide to visit Al-Aqsa, you can enter via eight open doors out of 15 doors in total.
Gates listed in the video
The video names several gates, including:
- From the north/left side: Bab al-Asbat (باب الاسباط) and Bab Hutta (باب حطه)
- Bab al-Malik Faisal (باب الملك فيصل)
- Bab al-Ghawanmeh / Al-Ghawanima (باب الغوانمه)
- From the west side: Bab an-Nazir al-Hadid (باب الناظر الحديد) or Bab al-‘Atama (باب العتم)
- Bab al-Taharah (باب المطهرة)
- Bab al-Silsilah (باب السلسله)
A gate mentioned as restricted for Muslims
Finally, the video explicitly states that one gate is not for Muslims to enter. It names this gate as Bab al-Maghariba (باب المغاربه). The video summarises this point by stating that it is the gate from the north/left side.
Plan your visit to Al-Quds with the video’s perspective
If you’re visiting Al-Quds and considering Al-Aqsa, the video encourages you to look beyond a single view. Instead, it suggests noticing that the site contains numerous landmarks, including domes with different meanings, prayer areas and other historical architectural elements. It also underlines that entry routes can be limited and that you should pay attention to which gates are open for the visitors you are with.
Sakina Tours can help you turn curiosity into a calm, well-organised experience—so you can explore Al-Quds thoughtfully, with guidance that respects the significance of the place. If you’d like help planning your itinerary around the landmarks and areas mentioned in the video, get in touch with us to start crafting your journey.
