Al-Aqsamoskee op de Tempelberg, Jeruzalem c. 1867 - 1877

Félix Bonfils captured the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem in this photograph. The crescent moon atop the dome is a clear marker of Islamic faith, a symbol that has roots stretching back to pre-Islamic cultures in Central Asia, where it was associated with lunar deities. Consider how this symbol has traversed time, shifting from celestial worship to an emblem of a major world religion. The crescent's gentle curve, reminiscent of a protective embrace, may tap into a primal sense of security. Much like the cross in Christianity, the crescent's prominence in Islamic art and architecture serves as a constant, visible reminder of faith. This emblem’s journey embodies culture's non-linear progression, resurfacing with new meanings, each era layering its own interpretation onto the ancient symbol.