| St. Anne's Church |
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The Ayoubi rulers of Jerusalem (from 1187 onwards) eliminated all Christian symbols in the city. Most of the churches were converted into mosques and Muslim houses of study. On the orders of Saladin (Salah e-Din), the Church of St. Anne became a madrasa (Muslim seminary), and was renamed El-madrasa el-Salahiya, in his honor. It continued to function in this role until the mid-18th century. |
| The diorama presents the two faces of St. Anne: the nuns at the entrance of the church are replaced by Muslim scholars; the cross on the roof makes way for an Arabic inscription over the lintel, ordered by Saladin. |
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| Saladin at the Gates of Jerusalem |
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''The city was transferred (to the new rulers) on Friday, the 27th day of the month of Rajab (October 2, 1187). and Saladin stationed one of his trusted officers, from among the emirs, at each of the city gates, in order to collect the taxes which had been imposed upon the resident of the city..'' Ibn al Athir, The Complete History, 13th century. |
| Diorama presenting Saladin outside the walls of Jerusalem. |
