MET Jerusalem "Every People Under Heaven" 1000-1400

The exhibit so appropriately called "Every People Under Heaven" is an extensive an impressive collection of ancient artifacts from 1000-1400 pertaining to the history of Jerusalem of this epoch.  The massive assemblage contains mundane utensils, ornate religious artifacts & jewelry, textiles, tombs, arcades and ancient books & scriptures.  The collection of manuscripts and books alone would make the exhibit worthwhile for any bibliophile.  The artistry, the varying hieroglyphics, the religious & historic significance is staggering.  The gold leaf detailing & illustrations are breathtaking & humbling.  The majority of items on loan are being shown for the 1st time outside the city of Jerusalem. I will most impressed with the extraordinary books which have been preserved for centuries.  But, what is most stirring is the connections & commonalities that brought so many different cultures and parts of the world to the same crossroads.  Jerusalem, often referred to as a city that is a mecca of 3 religions:  Judaism, Christianity & Muslim diminishes the rightful impact of so many other cultures & countries. Trade was the driving factor for Jerusalem evolving into the hubbub of an interconnecting commerce.  It was essential that cultures interact, learn each other's language, customs & be respectful of other's faiths.  The ancient writings show excerpts from the Quran, Arabic, Latin & Hebrew scrolls.  The walls of the exhibit have videos placing you inside present day Jerusalem.  There are several short videos of various contemporary relgious leaders & historians which were succinct and absorbing.  An Armenian priest explained how his worshippers literally allocate their religious sanctuary time with Greek Orthodox & Christians for worship. "We're like a family that loves each other and like a family we have our fights.  For instance, we don't allow the Greeks to run over into our worship time or that becomes custom."  There was a stronger sense of collaboration v. clashes to this deferentiall exhibit.  It's sobering to consider the representations of so many varied cultures assembled together having shared a strong tie to one common location and sadly, a history of violence & hatred.