, Roman Christian civilization and Islamic civilization. The Great Mosque of Damascus: Studies on the Makings of an Umayyad Visual Culture Leiden, 2001. It had become public around 715 CE, made from stone and marble that form mosaic structures and patterns. The Great Mosque contains a number of architectural similarities to the Great Mosque of Damascus, including a hypostyle plan with large marbled courtyard surrounded by porticoes. With the introduction of electricity in the middle of the last century the balloon tradition was stopped while collective Azan re­mained.” The majestic mosque boasts three minarets, including al-Arous to the north, Issa to the south-east and the Qaitbay, in reference to the Mamluk sultan, to the south-west. Great Mosque at Damascus, Syria. The Great Mosque of Damascus is a marvel of Islamic architecture.. It was paid for with the state tax revenue raised over the course of seven years, a prodigious sum of money. “It is, in fact, the only comprehensive monument that remains untouched from the era of Umayyad rule and the oldest Islamic building that is still conserved as is, without ma­jor modifications, since it was first erected centuries ago.” Built in the early eighth century, the Umayyad Mosque was the first mosque to include an alcove, remi­niscent of its Christian origins. Abd ar-Rahman was a fugitive and one of the last remaining members of the Umayyad royal family which had previously ruled the first hereditary caliphate based in Damascus, Syria. Great Mosque at Damascus, Syria. The Islamic Umayyad Dynasty, which ruled in Damascus from 661 to 750, set up a new… Known locally as Mezquita-Catedral, the Great Mosque of Córdoba is one of the oldest structures still standing from the time Muslims ruled Al-Andalus (Muslim Iberia including most of Spain, Portugal, and a small section of Southern France) in the late 8th century. The Great Mosque of Damascus is one of the earliest surviving congregational mosques in the world. The mosque stands on the site of a 1st-century Hellenic temple to Jupiter and of a later church of St. John the Baptist. The Great Mosque that Khalifa Walid I (r. 705-15) constructed at the heart of the city early in the 8th century is the extant oldest mosque in the Islamic world, being dubbed ‘Umayyad Mosque’ because it symbolizes the Umayyad Empire. There are many forms of calligraphy seen covering the arches and walls. Selçuklu … “This place has its own sanctity and spirituality,” she said. Syria Damascus. Damascus was the capital of the Aramaean state Aram-Damascus and a large temple dedicated to the cult of Hadad-Ramman, the god of thunderstorms and rain, was erected at the site of the present-day Umayyad Mosque. arcades on four sides of the courtyard in arabic courtyard mosque. and was completed in 714/15 C.E. The city has many sacred historical sites left by the ancient cultures that inhabited Damascus, which made the city a UNESCO world heritage site in 1979. The oldest stone mosque still in existence is the Great Mosque of Damascus, Syria, which dates to ad 705–715. A 10th-century Arab geographer named Muqaddasi (whose name means “Jerusalemite”) recorded his explanation for why it was right to build the Great Mosque of Damascus and the Dome of the Rock. The history of the mosque’s construction dates back to the Umayyad era. Great Mosque of Damascus, the earliest surviving stone mosque, built between 705 and 715 CE by the Umayyad Caliph al-Walid I. the prayer niche was given prominence by setting it in the transept and the building of the dome in front of it. Bahadur 1 The Umayyad Mosque, known now as the Great Mosque of Damascus, was built by the Umayyad Caliphate. The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus (Arabic: جامع بني أمية الكبير ‎, Romanization Ğām' Banī 'Umayya al-Kabīr) or formerly the Basilica of Saint John the Baptist (Greek: Βασιλική του Αγίου Ιωάννη του Βαπτιστή, transliteration Basilike tou Agíou Ioánne tou Baptiste), located in the old city of Damascus, is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, located in the old city of Damascus, Syria. Selçuklu … The mosque stands on the site of a 1st-century Hellenic temple to Jupiter and of a later church of St. John the Baptist. The site was originally a temple for Haddad, the God of storm built by the Arameans during the Iron Age . Arabic lslamic Architecture in Syria. This image is from a manuscript copied sometime between 1330 and 1450, called “the Book of Wonders.” A 19th-century Photo Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} by color family {{familyColorButtonText(colorFamily.name)}} Yard of Umayyad Mosque destroyed after clashes between Asad regime forces and Syrian opponents is seen in Aleppo Syria on September 27 2014 . This mosque is one of the first architectures built in early Islam, which inspired many other imperial mosques. All rights reserved. “The Umayy­ad Mosque is one of them.” The spot where the mosque stands originally had a temple dedi­cated to the Aramaean idol Hadad about 3,000 years ago. 69 Pins • 38 Followers. The vast courtyard connects to different areas of the mosque, positioned behind the colonnaded arcade. arcades on four sides of the courtyard in arabic courtyard mosque. The caliph negotiated with Chris­tian leaders to take over the space and, in return, promised that all other churches in the city would be safe. “It is a meeting place for all — the rich and the poor, residents and foreigners.” The mosque’s courtyard once served as a public place for serving iftar, the sunset fast-breaking meal, during Ramadan. Pigeons fly … A New Capital Damascus: Ministry of Culture and National Heritage,1979. The great Mosque of Damascus set an example for what? I’m doubtful that the head of Jon the Baptist is genuine. The Umayyad Mosque's religious significance was reinforced by its renowned medieval manuscripts and ranking as … hey! The Great Mosque of Damascus (Umayyad Mosque) is the first monumental work of architecture in Islamic history; the building served as a central gathering point after Mecca to consolidate the Muslims in their faith and conquest to rule the surrounding territories under the Umayyad Caliphate. Cultr: Umayyad: Great Mosque of Damascus Collection by Porfy Koumarianos. Located in the heart of the Ancient City of Damascus, The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, is one of the oldest and holiest Islamic monuments in the world. Join me for a walk back in time before the great mosque was built. This is a beautiful place to see, if not only for the amazing structure and design work. Syria Damascus. The great Mosque of Damascus set an example for what? The ground plan of the Umayyad Mosque is rectangular in shape and measures 97 meters (318 ft) by 156 meters (512 ft). The Great Mosque contains a number of architectural similarities to the Great Mosque of Damascus, including a hypostyle plan with large marbled courtyard surrounded by porticoes. It is considered the fourth-holiest place in Islam. The Great Mosque of Damascus: Studies on the Makings of an Umayyad Visual Culture Leiden, 2001. Constructed under the Umayyad Caliph al Walid. Next the Romans conquered Damascus and built a massive temple to Jupiter over the site . Qaitbay, which is an octago­nal minaret, was largely destroyed when Tamerlane conquered Damas­cus in 1401. Jul 23, 2015 - The Great Mosque of Hama (Arabic: جامع حماة الكبير‎) Syria - originally a mosque was founded here with the Arab conquest of Syria in 636 CE. The mosque is open to the public and a great place to understand the history of Damascus. One stone remains from the Aramaean temple, dated to the rule of King Hazael, and is currently on display in the National Museum of Damascus. Damascus - When pope John Paul II travelled to Syria in 2001, he visited the Great Mosque of Damascus, known as the Umayyad Mosque, the fourth oldest sanctuary of Islam. ___ Courtyard and Minaret of the Umayyad Mosque. Next, the church was converted into a mosque and then completely rebuilt by the descendants of the exiled Umayyads—the first Islamic dynasty who had originally ruled from their capital Damascus (in present-day Syria) from 661 until 750. The Great Mosque of Damascus was commissioned in 708 C.E. Heretiq. Charities and rich people offer free meals to the poor. Location. After the Arab conquest of Damascus in 634, the mosque was built on the site of a Christian basilica dedicated to John the Baptist. Córdoba is a two hour train ride south of Madrid, and draws visitors from all over the world. The Great Mosque of Damascus: Studies on the Makings of an Umayyad Visual Culture, Leiden-Boston-Köln, 2001. I’m doubtful that the head of Jon the Baptist is genuine. . Visigothic Christians invaded Cordoba in 572 AD and converted the temple to a church. 705-715. When the Romans ruled Damascus, a temple was built for the worship of Jupiter. “It is the highest with an elevation of 77 metres. Also known as the Umayyad Mosque, it was built by al-Walid I, a caliph (ruler of the Islamic community) of the Umayyad dynasty. The Great Mosque of Damascus is the first monumental work of architecture in Islamic history; the building served as a central gathering point after Mecca to consolidate the Muslims in their faith and conquest to rule the surrounding territories under the Umayyad Caliphate. Browse 703 great mosque of damascus stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. This is a beautiful place to see, if not only for the amazing structure and design work. © 2015-2020 The Arab Weekly. Ibn Asakir (499–571 / 1105–76), Tarikh madinat Dimashq [History of Damascus], (S. Munajjid, ed), Damascus, 1954. A unique feature of the Umayyad Mosque is that the call for prayer — the Azan — is done collectively by more than one muezzin. The level of the stone pavement had become uneven over time due to several repairs throughout the mosque's history, but recent work on the courtyard has restored it to its consistent Umayyad-era levels. It is considered by some Muslims to be the fourth-holiest place in Islam. After the Arab conquest of Damascus, the mosque was built on the site of a Christian basilica, dedicated to John the Baptist, from the time of the Roman emperor Constantine I. main Riwaq. John the Baptist is honored as a prophet by both the Christians and Muslims. A 15th-century Depiction. The temple was converted into a church by invading Visigoths who seized Corboba in 572. the prayer niche was given prominence by setting it in the transept and the building of the dome in front of it. The mosque holds a shrine which still today contains the head of John the Baptist (Yahya), honoured as a prophet by both Christians and Muslims alike. Al Walid remastered the church plan, resulting in a somewhat unusual mosque style. This is a beautiful place to see, if not only for the amazing structure and design work. The Great Mosque is located in Cordoba, Spain. Zac thinks it's pretty cool! “Few mosques have been pre­served in the same structure and the same original architectural fea­tures without additions or modifi­cations,” Sayyed said. The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus (Arabic transliteration: Ğām' Banī 'Umayya al-Kabīr) or formerly the Basilica of Saint John the Baptist (Greek transliteration: Vasilikí tou Agíou Ioánni tou Vaptistí), located within the circuit walls of the old city of Damascus, is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. However, the ritual under which up to 15,000 people were fed daily stopped with the onset of war in 2011. “The reason is that the mosque is so large and the muezzins would each stand on a corner of the roof to make the call heard in all the sur­rounding area. The mausoleum itself is rather small and modest. Originally a synagogue, then a church, now a beautiful mosque. Damascus Great Mosque Court. Every day hundreds of fami­lies flock to the mosque, sit on mats spread on the marble floors of the main courtyard and spend hours chatting, playing and having a good time. main Riwaq. Located in the heart of the teeming city of Damascus, the Great Mosque is known to be the oldest existing monumental architecture in the Islamic world. Bahadur 1 The Umayyad Mosque, known now as the Great Mosque of Damascus, was built by the Umayyad Caliphate. Drawing on its history, the … Damascus was the capital of the Aramaean state Aram-Damascus and a large temple dedicated to the cult of Hadad-Ramman, the god of thunderstorms and rain, was erected at the site of the present-day Umayyad Mosque. It had become public around 715 CE, made from stone and marble that form mosaic structures and patterns. The main square chamber displays ablaq walls and holds four arches capped by a cupola. A large courtyard occupies the northern part of the mosque complex, while the haram ("sanctuary") covers the southern part. A 10th-century Arab geographer named Muqaddasi (whose name means “Jerusalemite”) recorded his explanation for why it was right to build the Great Mosque of Damascus and the Dome of the Rock. 705-715. The spot where the mosque now stands was originally a temple dedicated to the idol Hadad in the Aramaean era about 3000 years ago. 1 The construction of the Great Mosque (or Friday Mosque) of Damascus was a means of establishing the permanence of the Umayyad rule, a significant gesture in a city that had been under Persian rule from 612–628 and then Arab rule from 635–661. The Umayyad Mosque (or Masjid), also known as the Grand Mosque of Damascus is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. Some sources claim it was originally built by the Abbasids in the 9th century, while other sources attribute the original structure to the Umayyads. It is the first monumental work of architecture in Islamic history. Omayyad Mosque in Damascus. The mosque stands on the site of a 1st-century Hellenic temple to Jupiter and of a later church of St. John the Baptist. Ibn Asakir (499–571 / 1105–76), Tarikh madinat Dimashq [History of Damascus], (S. Munajjid, ed), Damascus, 1954. One stone remains from the Aramaean temple, dated to the rule of King Hazael, and is currently on display in the National Museum of Damascus. It is considered the fourth-holiest place in Islam. See more ideas about Mosque, Damascus, Umayyad mosque. The Umayyad Mosque of Damascus « Islamic Arts and Architecture. It was rebuilt by Sultan Qaitbay according to the Mamluk style.” After more than five years of a devastating war in Syria, the mosque has become a site for prom­enade and family outings more than a place of worship or a tourist spot. Damascus - When pope John Paul II travelled to Syria in 2001, he visited the Great Mosque of Damascus, known as the Umayyad Mosque, the fourth oldest sanctuary of Islam. The Great Mosque of Damascus is one of the earliest surviving congregational mosques in the world. History of the building. The mosque in Medina. “The Great Mosque of Aleppo rivalled that of Damascus in its decoration, painting, and mosaic” [6] As noted earlier, much of the mosque plan dates from Nur al-Din’s complete reconstruction in 1158 when it was arranged into a rectangle of about 150m x 100m with a large courtyard in its middle . The mosque is open to the public and a great place to understand the history of Damascus. The unfortunate Al-Walid died before the works were fully completed, leaving the task for his brother and successor Caliph Suleiman (715-717) who completed it in 717. A 15th-century Depiction. Hillenbrand, R., Islamic Architecture, Edinburgh, 1994, pp.68–72. Umayyad artistry. The Great Mosque of Damascus: Studies on the Makings of an Umayyad Visual Culture, Leiden-Boston-Köln, 2001. https://hadhramouts.blogspot.com/2010/02/great-umayyad-mosque-damascu… The mosque in Medina. The result of this investment was an architectural tour de force where mosaics and marbles created a truly awe-inspiring space. Riwaq. A Mueddin chanting the call to prayer from a gallery of the Minaret of 'Isa (Jesus). The madrasah was built later by Saladin's other son, Al-Aziz Uthman. Damascus: Ministry of Culture and National Heritage,1979. It features the first minaret in Islam, al-Arous, a square minaret, the model that became widespread in mosques in southern Spain and North Africa. The Umayyad Mosque | The Great Mosque of Damascus music: Love In Damascus - Lena Chamamyan Where have we also seen four watchtowers that were used as minarets? Originally, the site where the mosque now rests served as a temple to the Roman god, Janus. The Great Mosque was built in the context of the new Umayyad Emirate in Al-Andalus which Abd ar-Rahman I founded in 756. View my photos below for an idea of how huge the temple was before .There are several arches scattered through old town Damascus. In 715 CE, ten years after the foundation of the Umayyad Mosque at Damascus, the Umayyad Caliph Al-Walid engaged in the construction of the mosque that was to equal the former. Heavily damaged in a … “The minaret of Issa was origi­nally built on a tower of the old (Roman) temple,” Sukkar said. The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus located in the old city of Damascus, is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. Al Walid remastered the church plan, resulting in a somewhat unusual mosque style. His visit to the main tourist attraction in the heart of old Damascus was the first by a Roman Catholic pope to a mosque. Before the construction of the mosque, Muslims and Christians shared the building for worship, each praying in different sections of the structure. Arcades (riwaq) su… I’m doubtful that the head of Jon the Baptist is genuine. Grafman R. ve M. Resen-Ayalan, "The Two Great Syrian Umayyad Mosques: Jerusalem and Damascus," Muqarnas, XVI, 1999, s. 1-15. Discover (and save!) The result of this investment was an architectural tour de force where mosaics and marbles created a truly awe-inspiring space. There are many forms of calligraphy seen covering the arches and walls. Dec 2, 2016 - The Great Mosque or Friday Mosque. During the Ummayad Caliphate (661-750), this building was enlarged to become “The Great Mosque”. “Amwy” literally translated means “the little slave-girl.” . The courtyard is enclosed by four exterior walls. circa 1217 CE . The caretakers are friendly and willing to show you around. In addition to being a magnificent structure celebrating Islamic and Arab architecture, the mosque is be­lieved to enshrine the head of John the Baptist. The sacred spot where the mosque was built provided a place of divine worship for over three millennia. motasem ayasrh . In the past, a big red balloon was raised above the mina­ret of al-Arous to indicate the times of prayer for those living far from the mosque and who could not hear the call. The Great Umayyad Mosque (Damascus) History has provided us with the greatest buildings that have affected human souls greatly and was an example of religious coexistence between beliefs and in this article we will talk about the Umayyad Mosque from pre-Christian history to the present day with some interesting information. The Great Mosque that Khalifa Walid I (r. 705-15) constructed at the heart of the city early in the 8th century is the extant oldest mosque in the Islamic world, being dubbed ‘Umayyad Mosque’ because it symbolizes the Umayyad Empire. After the Muslim conquest of Damascus in 634, the mosque was built on the site of a Christian church dedicated to John the Baptist. After the Arab conquest of Damascus, the mosque was built on the site of a Christian basilica, dedicated to John the Baptist, from the time of the Roman emperor Constantine I. Drawing on its history, the … This mosque is one of the first architectures built in early Islam, which inspired many other imperial mosques. “The Umayyad Mosque is among the most important Islamic land­marks in the world,” said archae­ologist Mahmoud al-Sayyed. Learn more about the Great Mosque in this article. A 10th-century Arab geographer named Muqaddasi (whose name means “Jerusalemite”) recorded his explanation for why it was right to build the Great Mosque of Damascus and the Dome of the Rock. Damascus, Great Mosque This, one of the most famous mosque, was originally built by the Caliph al-Walid between 709 and 715. The site was originally a temple for Haddad, the God of storm built by the Arameans during the Iron Age . The vast courtyard connects to different areas of the mosque, positioned behind the colonnaded arcade. Arabic lslamic Architecture in Syria. Grabar, O., The Formation of Islamic Art, New Haven and London, 1973, pp.104–38. Grafman R. ve M. Resen-Ayalan, "The Two Great Syrian Umayyad Mosques: Jerusalem and Damascus," Muqarnas, XVI, 1999, s. 1-15. Dec 2, 2016 - The Great Mosque or Friday Mosque. The Great Mosque of Damascus was commissioned in 708 C.E. . After the Arab conquest of Damascus in 634, the mosque was built on the site of a Christian basilica dedicated to John the Baptist. “In the past few years, the mosque was hit by seven shells, causing minor damage but we hope places of worship would be spared by fighters, so that we can relegate such beautiful monuments for fu­ture generations to be proud of,” Sukkar said. One of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. The caretakers are friendly and willing to show you around. The mosque’s location and organization were directly influenced by the temples and the church that preceded it. What is now the Great Mosque was originally a Roman Temple, then converted to a church by Byzantines. It is the first monumental work of architecture in Islamic history. It reads: “Your kingdom, oh Christ, is an everlasting kingdom. At least there is space for the children to play, un­like the flat we are renting, a mere 35 square metres with no sunlight.” Majida Abdel Aziz, a teacher in Damascus, said visiting the Umayy­ad Mosque has been a weekly ritual since childhood. The collective use was stopped under the reign of Walid, when the prayer space became in­adequate both in terms of capacity and the need for an architectural monument to represent Islam. Four gates were pierced into the four sides allowing access into the mosque through the courtyard, apart from the … The norm is to have a single person doing the call. Originally a synagogue, then a church, now a beautiful mosque. Originally a synagogue, then a church, now a beautiful mosque. It was originally built by Saladin's son, Al-Adil I. Saladin's body was interred temporarily at the Citadel of Damascus until the construction of the building was completed in 1196. Photos. Hillenbrand, R., Islamic Architecture, Edinburgh, 1994, pp.68–72. “There are 23 muezzins in the mosque but at the time of prayer (five times a day) there are at least eight to do the collective Azan,” ex­plained mosque director Issam Suk­kar. His visit to the main tourist attraction in the heart of old Damascus was the first by a Roman Catholic pope to a mosque. Damascus - When pope John Paul II travelled to Syria in 2001, he visited the Great Mosque of Damascus, known as the Umayyad Mosque, the fourth oldest sanctuary of Islam. This image is from a manuscript copied sometime between 1330 and 1450, called “the Book of Wonders.”. Next the Romans conquered Damascus and built a massive temple to Jupiter over the site . The growing population of Muslims also required a large congregational mosque (a congregational mosque is a mosque where the community of believers, originally only men, would come to worship and hear a sermon on Fridays — it was typically the most im… The Umayyad Mosque (or Masjid), also known as the Grand Mosque of Damascus is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. your own Pins on Pinterest Outside the Umayyad Mosque in the Syrian capital, Damascus. The largest and most ancient mosque in Damascus is the Jami’a el Amwy, “The Great Mosque of the Omeiyades,” which ranks only next in importance to the sanctuaries of Mekka, Medina, and Jerusalem. The third Mosque we are going to know more about is the Great Mosque of Damascus.. Great Mosque of Damascus, also called Umayyad Mosque, the earliest surviving stone mosque, built between AD 705 and 715 by the Umayyad Caliph al-Walīd I. The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus located in the old city of Damascus, is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. When Damascus became the capital of the Umayyad dynasty, the early 8th century caliph al-Walid envisioned a beautiful mosque at the heart of his new capital city, one that would rival any of the great religious buildings of the Christian world. The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, located in the old city of Damascus, is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. The Umayyad Mosque of Damascus. Join me for a walk back in time before the great mosque was built. The madrasah was built later by Saladin's other son, Al-Aziz Uthman. On the mosque, there remains an inscription in Greek that was part of the original church. Known locally as Mezquita-Catedral, the Great Mosque of Córdoba is one of the oldest structures still standing from the time Muslims ruled Al-Andalus (Muslim Iberia including most of Spain, Portugal, and a small section of Southern France) in the late 8th century. When the Romans ruled Damascus a temple was built for the … Great Mosque of Damascus, also called Umayyad Mosque, the earliest surviving stone mosque, built between AD 705 and 715 by the Umayyad Caliph al-Walīd I. and your dominion endures throughout all generations.”. It has an extensive and extremely detailed history. The Great Umayyad Mosque was contemporary with five civilizations with different beliefs, which are the Aramaic civilization (the Iron Age), and the pagan Roman civilization. The mosque’s location and organization were directly influenced by the temples and the church that preceded it. ___ Courtyard and Minaret of the Umayyad Mosque. It became a Christian church dedi­cated to John the Baptist in the Byz­antine era. Located in the heart of the Ancient City of Damascus, The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, is one of the oldest and holiest Islamic monuments in the world. The caretakers are friendly and willing to show you around. Rihawi, Abdul Qader. It was paid for with the state tax revenue raised over the course of seven years, a prodigious sum of money. Where have we also seen four watchtowers that were used as minarets? Grabar, O., The Formation of Islamic Art, New Haven and London, 1973, pp.104–38. Location. The mausoleum itself is rather small and modest. “I often bring my wife and chil­dren to the mosque and (adjacent) Hamidiya souks. The building is located in the old city of Damascus. The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, located in the old city of Damascus, Syria. What is now the Great Mosque was originally a Roman Temple, then converted to a church by Byzantines. Jul 30, 2014 - This Pin was discovered by Bassam. Known locally as Mezquita-Catedral, the Great Mosque of Cordoba is one of the oldest structures still standing from the time Muslims ruled Al-Andalus (Muslim Iberia including most of Spain, Portugal, and a small section of Southern France) in the late eighth century. His visit to the main tourist attraction in the heart of old Damascus was the first by a Roman Catholic pope to a mosque. It was originally built by Saladin's son, Al-Adil I. Saladin's body was interred temporarily at the Citadel of Damascus until the construction of the building was completed in 1196. A legend dating to the … The history of the mosque dates back to 1200 BC when Damascus was the capital of the Aramaic Kingdom during the … The main square chamber displays ablaq walls and holds four arches capped by a cupola. Apr 22, 2017 - Umayyad artistry. The Great Mosque of Damascus (Umayyad Mosque) is the first monumental work of architecture in Islamic history; the building served as a central gathering point after Mecca to consolidate the Muslims in their faith and conquest to rule the surrounding territories under the Umayyad Caliphate. The mosque is open to the public and a great place to understand the history of Damascus. and was completed in 714/15 C.E. The Great Mosque, Damascus Great Mosque of Damascus, Syria. The mosque holds a shrine which still today contains the head of John the Baptist (Yahya), honoured as a prophet by both Christians and Muslims alike. The site of the Umayyad mosque today has been a place of worship for more than three millennia. The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, located in the old city of Damascus, is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. The site was an impor­tant pilgrimage destination in the Byzantine era before the mosque was built by Umayyad Caliph al- Walid on the ruins of an old church. It was built by order of “Al-Walid Ibn Abd … Rihawi, Abdul Qader. One of the largest and oldest mosques in the world After the Muslim conquest of Damascus in 634, the mosque was built on the site of a Christian church dedicated to John the Baptist. “Old Damascus has become the only breathing space that is relative­ly safe and where people can go for a stroll and have some time out,” said Ibrahim Issa, who was displaced from his home on the front-line Da­mascus neighbourhood of Jobar. Riwaq. This image is from a manuscript copied sometime between 1330 and 1450, called “the Book of Wonders.” A 19th-century Photo Photos. Constructed under the Umayyad Caliph al Walid. The spot where the mosque now stands was originally a temple dedicated to the idol Hadad in the Aramaean era about 3000 years ago. 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