Overview
The western retaining wall, sacred in Muslim and Jewish traditions and physically part of the enclosure’s boundary. [1][2]
Al-Buraq Wall forms part of the western retaining boundary. Muslim tradition associates its name with the Night Journey and al-Buraq. The Buraq prayer chamber on the inner side is a separate space. [1][2]
In Jewish tradition the Western Wall is a focus of prayer associated with the Temple. Its large lower stones and smaller upper courses reflect different building and repair periods, as described by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation. [3]
The wall’s outward-facing prayer area lies outside the upper sanctuary courtyard. A boundary marker in this atlas identifies that physical relationship; it does not imply an internal route between the two sides. [3]
