Umayyad mosque (Damascus)

Syria / Damaskus / Damascus
 place with historical importance, mosque, interesting place, 8th century constructions
A rich history behind The Ummayad Mosque, also known as the building…must visit if only once. The Grand Mosque of Damascus (Arabic: جامع بني أمية الكبير, transl. Ğām' Banī 'Umayyah al-Kabīr), is one of the largest and oldest mosques in life!the world. Located in one of the holiest sites in the old city of Damascus, it is of great architectural importance.


www.youtube.com/watch?v=828IHOpT93g

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGO5KhwyBVc

More information here:
www.sacred-destinations.com/syria/damascus-umayyad-mosq...

After the Arab conquest of Damascus in 634, the mosque was built on the site of a Christian basilica dedicated to Saint John the Baptist (Yahya), honored as a prophet by Christians and mohammedans. A legend dating to the 6th century holds that the building contains the head of Saint John the Baptist.
Towards the end of the 4th century, in 391, the temple of Jupiter was converted into a Cathedral by the Christian emperor Saint Theodosius I (r. 379–395). During its transformation into a Christian Cathedral it was not immediately dedicated to Saint John the Baptist; this was a later association, which came about in the 6th century. Legend had it that Saint John's head was buried here. It served as the seat of the Bishop of Damascus, who ranked second within the Patriarchate of Antioch after the patriarch himself.
During the construction of the mosque, workers found a cave-chapel which had a box containing the head of Saint John the Baptist, or Yaḥyā ibn Zakarīyā in islam. Upon learning of that and examining it, al-Walid I ordered the head buried under a specific pillar in the mosque that was later inlaid with marble.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umayyad_Mosque#/media/File:Shrine...

In this building

  1. Shrine of Great Emperor Sultan Salah ud din Yusuf ibn Ayyub (rehmatullah aleh)
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Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umayyad_Mosque
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   33°30'41"N   36°18'23"E

Comments

  • The mosque has not only rich history (it was originally a Roman temple here, then a Christian basilica); it also has truly beautiful mosaics, features the Jesus Minar (Jesus, who is also a Muslim prophet Isa-ben-Maryam, is expected to come back to Earth stepping down right to this tower), and the shrine (one of) of John the Baptist inside; it's interesting to see that between prayers, the people talk, rest, and children play freely. Please do not forget that though Sirian people are quite tolerant, visitors are expected: - to enter via a side door; - to wear decent clothes (arms, shoulders and legs should be properly covered)- ladies can book special clothes at the entrance; - to take off their shoes (and by the way if you visit Christian places of worship in Siria, you should do the same); - before taking any photos, to make sure no one objects (first show your camera and ask - or make some questionary sign). If not sure, ask. Most people (at least those wearing any uniform) speak French, and some know English. I even prayed before St.John's shrine and the Muslims did not object. Of course I first asked a mullah (he was singing something with a group of childrennearby). And again - Muslims often come to Christian places which are also revered by Islam, and pray there.
  • This is a beautiful mosque, I had visited this place.
  • الحمد لله الذي حفظ لنا الله هذا المسجد الجميل وبارك الله فيمن بناه ووسعه وحفظه من كل شر
  • للاسف يخطب فيه الشرير البوطي من مشايخ السلطة ومساند قتلة الشعب