Replacing a carpet at one of the world’s holiest sites isn’t easy

The Dome of the Rock, a holy site for Muslim and Jews, needs to have its carpet replaced after 12 years of wear and tear. But it’s not a simple job at a site holy to both Jews and Muslims. Israeli archaeological authorities say the repairs started last month without their knowledge and previously undocumented ancient floor designs were uncovered when the old carpets were pulled up, but they didn’t get a chance to document the designs before workmen covered them up with the new carpet.

We got to part of them. We didn’t get to it all. I won’t ask anyone to pull up the carpets to document it. We will wait for the next opportunity. We’re sure to be here over the next 2,000 years.

Israel Hasson, director of the Israeli Antiquities Authority

Officials with the Waqf, the Muslim authority that administers the Al Aqsa Mosque compound, which includes the Dome of the Rock, reject the accusations of subterfuge. Jordan’s King Abdullah II financed the project and Jamal Al Quda, a member of a group of Jordanian carpet layers who received Israeli visas for the job, said Israel facilitated the renovation. But Sheikh Azzam Tamimi, the head of the Waqf, has waded in to say the work was long overdue and has defiantly proclaimed that he forbids any Israeli involvement.

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