The Russian Compound is one of the oldest neighborhoods in central Jerusalem, home to a large Russian Orthodox Church and several old pilgrim hostels used as administrative buildings.
It is located between Jaffa Road, Shivtei Israel Street, and Prophets Street, and was formerly a Turkish cavalry territory during Ottoman rule.
The complex was built between 1860 and 1890, with the addition of the Pilgrims' Hospital in 1903, and is one of the earliest structures built outside the walls of Old Jerusalem.
There also lies an ancient giant column, still partially embedded in the stone quarry from which it was carved. It is a 12,15 metre long construction and is known by two names: Og's Finger and Herod's Column.
One theory states that its original purpose would have been to decorate the Second Temple, built during the restoration and expansion works of the Temple Mount directed by King Herod the Great between 37 and 20 BC.
But others suggest that the attempt to carve the column dates back to the 6th century, as part of the construction of the Byzantine church of Nea, ordered by Emperor Justinian I. The name Finger of Og refers to the Amorite giant Og, mentioned in the Book of Exodus as having been defeated by Moses' army.
This mysterious pillar remains a testament to the many layers of history and traditions that make up the rich tapestry of Jerusalem.
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