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As Jerusalem continues to be at the center of global attention, a new study conducted by Polis – The Jerusalem Institute of Languages and Humanities examines a rarely discussed dimension of the city: its names. Across Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, the names of Jerusalem are not merely descriptive — they reflect distinct theological, historical, and cultural visions of the city.
In The Names of Jerusalem: Jewish, Christian and Islamic Traditions, three renowned scholars (Aaron Demsky, Christophe Rico, and Iraj Sheidaee) analyze the etymology, linguistic and historical development, and symbolic meaning of the names Salem, Jerusalem, Hierosoluma, Moriah, Zion, Ilia, Beit il Maqdis and al-Ǫuds in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and Arabic.
“Names are not neutral labels,” the authors note. “They encode theological claims and collective memory. Understanding how different traditions name Jerusalem sheds light on how they understand it.”
At a time when public discussions about Jerusalem often focus on geopolitics and territory, this book offers a complementary perspective: how language itself shapes perception, identity, and religious meaning. By tracing the linguistic and historical development of the city’s names, the study highlights both shared heritage and enduring differences among traditions.
Published by Polis Institute Press, the volume is designed to be accessible to both specialists
and a broader readership interested in the cultural and religious significance of Jerusalem.
Availability
More information: https://www.polisjerusalem.org/resource/the-names-of-jerusalem/
Purchase: https://www.amazon.com/dp/SC57CS8200
Media inquiries, review copies, and interview requests: Polis Institute Press Email:
ISBN: 978-965-7698-20-4
Copyright © Polis – The Jerusalem Institute of Languages and Humanities (Registered Association 580539591).
price: $32.46
