East of Jerusalem: Nebi Musa

This photograph shows Nebi Musa, located in the Judaean Desert, on the road from Jerusalem down to the Dead Sea. It was used as a stopping point for Muslims on their way from Jerusalem to Mecca. A hospice was in place for this purpose by the end of the 15th century and it gradually became a traditional site for the burial place of Moses (Arabic: Musa). The site was repaired by the Ottomans. Beginning in the 19th century it became a pilgrimage site as part of the Nebi Musa festival, during which pilgrims would trek from Jerusalem to Nebi Musa for a week of celebration.