Castle built the days of the Romans (Antonia) In the Islamic era; many schools established, such as the Jahiliyya .
And later became a home for the deputy Mamluk of the Jerusalem State, and in the Ottoman era
It became the seat of the Ottoman Pasha Saraya. Because of its strategic location overlooking, (a minaret known Ghawanmah minaret of Saraya as well).
Then, in the 20th century, it became the home of the modern kindergarten, then occupied by the British army strategic and in the Jordanian era turned into the age school and still.
It overlooks the northwestern boundary of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and considered part of it.
It is a school historical and large area of 4 acres, consisting of three former Mamluk schools: Modernity, nebulae, and collegiality, as well as a number of different rooms and angles that were existing in earlier times. The last two schools had used the residence of Jerusalem’s deputies and a seat of government Ottoman, then a school called “Kindergarten of Knowledge”, then headquarters of the British occupation police, and then taken Mujahideen is the headquarters of holy jihad, then the headquarters of the Jordanian commander of Jerusalem, and then a school.
Since the Zionists occupied Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque in 1967, they took over the entire school And placed at the disposal of the Jerusalem Municipality of Zionism, as the gateway to the so-called tunnel was opened “Hashmonaim” which extends along the western fence of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, starting from the Wall of Al-Buraq Which was opened by the Zionists in 1996 – from under the gate completely, and the school became a center to turn this tunnel to the east, where there is another tunnel extends from underneath to the parking in the door of the tribes. It is also believed that there is a third tunnel under the Al Omarya School linked to the domed Dome of the Rock (Located in the heart of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque), and feared to use it to control the rock Especially as the Jews claim to be “holy of holies”. In their alleged structure.
In addition, the Israeli police use parts of the Al Omarya School to monitor what is going on Aqsa mosque, and sometimes to target worshipers and shoot them especially in times the disturbances, at a time when Zionist attempts being made to build a synagogue there too, Was put within the framework of plans to establish temporary Jewish places of worship within the Aqsa Mosque, its near vicinity as a prelude to establishing ” Al Hikal” Allegedly at his expense.
It was named after the age of the second Al Kaliph Umar ibn al-KHetta b (may Allah be pleased with him) when he came in some accounts he entered al-Aqsa from the north side after the Sahabah camped in Sahil Al Sahera (Bab Al Sahera).
It is estimated to have an area of about 8 Acres and includes the three schools of Hadith, Jouleh and Sobibiyeh.