History of Umayyad Mosque in Damascus | دمشق میں اموی مسجد کی تاریخ

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History of Umayyad Mosque in Damascus

Asslamoalaikum sisters brothers and elders, Today we are describing the centuries-old legacy of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, in this informative islamic historical video. From its origins as a Roman temple to its transformation into a renowned Islamic center, describing the evolution of this architectural marvel and its enduring impact on the cultural landscape of the region.

The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, is located in Damascus, Syria and is notably one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. Built between 705 and 715 C.E. by the Umayyad Caliph al-Walid I, the mosque was and is primarily used for worship. During the time of construction, however, Muslims and Christians shared the space to worship in different sections of the building. It is a famous tourist destination, but also a place where, especially during Islamic religious holidays like Ramadan, families immerse themselves in the space to break their fasts and be with family. Thousands of visitors were known to visit the mosque yearly, but with the start of the war in Syria in 2011, it is unknown how many individuals visit the Umayyad Mosque.

The Great Mosque of Damascus underwent various transitions before it became a mosque on its own, as the mosque was originally built on the site of a Roman temple. In the first century, the site was used as a temple to the Roman god Jupiter during the time when the Romans ruled Damascus. The site upon which the mosque was eventually built then became a Christian church devoted to St. John the Baptist. Pieces of each era, such as the shrine to St. John's head honored by Muslims and Christians alike, remain in the mosque.

The mosque has gone through various reconstructions due to multiple fires over centuries. One notable fire that occurred in the mosque was in 1893 when the roof and other parts of the mosque were destroyed due to a worker's smoking. Despite the numerous fires, the overall layout of the mosque remains the same and is celebrated as one of the most inspiring architectural monuments in the world.

As an exemplary building showcasing influential Islamic architecture, the Great Mosque of Damascus was originally deeply influenced by Byzantine architecture, a building style of Constantinople. This style of architecture drew influence from Roman temple features, such as domed roofs and vast spaces like the notable courtyard in the Umayyad Mosque.

The mosque served as a highly influential example of mosque architecture worldwide, specifically the prayer hall that became a vital addition to mosques being built over the decades to follow. The decorations within the Umayyad Mosque, such as the mosaics on the walls of the mosque, are also what later influenced the interior designs of mosques all around the globe.

The Umayyad Mosque Courtyard
The open-air courtyard with arches overhead leading into the grand space of the Umayyad Mosque allows visitors to gather for talking among friends and family, iftar (the breaking of fast during Ramadan), or to simply immerse oneself in the meritorious architecture of the building. The courtyard was built with stone pavement that, despite multiple repairs made to the mosque, reflects the era of its original construction.

The courtyard consists of marble surrounding the pavilions and arcades, which contain some of the longest preserved mosaics from the Umayyad era. There is also the ablutions fountain at ground level within the courtyard where one goes to wash before prayer. The western part of the courtyard also holds an octagonal chamber, known as the Dome of the Treasury. The Dome of the Treasury is decorated with the mosque's once-vibrant mosaics that were later restored then redone, and it stands on eight Roman columns. This chamber held the endowments of the mosque and protected the charitable funds given to the mosque.

So friends, tomorow inshahAllah same time, will be described, History of Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, West Bank, Palestine. Allah Hafiz

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