Jordan's custodianship of Al-Aqsa reflects historical and religious power dynamics in Jerusalem
Original framing: “Why Jordan cannot be stripped of Al-Aqsa custodianship” — Middle East Eye
A trickster lens reveals the absurdity of a foreign monarchy—Jordan—holding custodianship over a site central to Palestinian identity. This arrangement, framed as sacred and unchangeable, reflects the colonial logic of religious sovereignty imposed by external powers. The trickster here is the colonial structure itself, which disguises control as tradition.
The custodianship of Al-Aqsa is not a static religious arrangement but a product of colonial history, geopolitical interests, and settler-state policies.
By foregrounding the indigenous Palestinian perspective and examining the colonial origins of the current system, we can begin to envision a more just and inclusive governance model. Integrating historical, cross-cultural, and marginalized voices reveals the deep structural inequalities that underpin the status quo. A systemic solution requires international mediation, legal reform, and community-led governance that respects the religious and political rights of all people connected to the site.