The Umayyad Mosque rises majestically at the heart of Damascus, holding a unique place in the Islamic world with its architectural elegance, exquisite decorations, and profound spirituality. This magnificent structure, a testament to both artistic and religious power, has been praised by numerous scholars and artists throughout history and has mesmerized visitors across every era. As one of the earliest mosques regarded as sacred in the Islamic world, this sanctuary transcends the boundaries of time and space, attaining an eternal presence.
The site where the Umayyad Mosque stands today was originally home to a Roman temple in the 1st century BCE. Over time, under the reign of Byzantine Emperor Theodosius I (379–395), it was converted into the Church of Saint John (the Prophet Yahya). However, following the Islamic conquests of Damascus in the 7th century under the leadership of Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah, the sacred site was transformed into a mosque, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its history. As the population grew and the needs of the city evolved, the original mosque became inadequate. In response, the Umayyad Caliph Al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik initiated a grand construction project between 705 and 715. The foundations of the new mosque were laid in 705 or 706, and by 714, the structure was completed in all its grandeur. Throughout the construction process, master craftsmen sent from Istanbul played a pivotal role, ensuring that the mosque embodied not only great size and magnificence but also the pinnacle of architectural skill.
The Umayyad Mosque was designed in accordance with the rectangular plan of the original Roman temple but gradually transformed into a distinct example of Islamic architecture. In its fundamental structure, the south wall, parallel to the qiblah, and the two elegant bastions at its ends were enriched with towers that served as bases for the minarets.
Having endured countless fires and disasters over the centuries, the elegance of this magnificent structure has been preserved through numerous restorations up to the present day. One of its most significant repairs was carried out by the Seljuk Sultan Malik-Shah in 1082–83, following the great fire of 1069. This restoration particularly focused on the “Qubbat an-Nasr” dome and the arches. Another major renovation took place during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II after the great fire of 1894 when craftsmen from Istanbul reconstructed the interior column rows and the roof.
The Umayyad Mosque consists of a main prayer hall measuring 136 by 37 meters and a large courtyard measuring 122.5 by 50 meters. The main prayer area comprises three transverse naves intersected by a wider vertical nave. The two tiered arches between the naves rest on marble columns, adding an elegant grandeur to the space. At the center of this vast area stands the “Qubbat al-Nasr”, supported by four large piers and covered with a wooden roof. This dome is reinforced by transitional trompes and surrounded by arches, each offering a unique aesthetic beauty. The prayer hall features several mihrabs, reflecting the influences of different Islamic schools of thought. On the right are two mihrabs belonging to the Hanafi and Hanbali schools, while the one on the left is known as either the Sahabah or Maliki mihrab. Between these mihrabs lies the tomb of the Prophet Yahya, making the mosque not only a place of worship but also the resting place of a prophet and a site for sacred relics, imbuing it with profound spiritual significance.
The fountain located in the courtyard symbolizes the integration of water civilization into architecture. Surrounding the fountain are twenty-four graceful arches, with an additional nine arches on each side forming elegant porticoes. At the rear of the courtyard, smaller yet impressive domed structures, such as the “Qubbat al-Khaznah” (Bayt al-Mal) and the “Qubbat Zayn al-Abidin,” can be found. The Qubbat al-Khaznah served as a storage place for the mosque’s waqf revenues and became a symbol of the mosque’s economic life.
The mosque’s three minarets are elegant representations of Islamic architecture. The western minaret, built atop a Roman bastion, is known as “al-Mi’dhanah al-Gharbiyyah” and was restored in 1488 by the Mamluk Sultan Qaitbay. The other two minarets are “Mi’dhanah Isa” located on the eastern side and “Mi’dhanah al Arus” situated above the northern portico. The mosque features four main gates, Bab al-Barid (west), Bab Jairun (east), Bab al-Faradis (north), and Bab al-Ziyadah (qiblah). Additionally, there is an auxiliary gate that opens to the Kallaseh Madrasa on the northern side.
The Umayyad Mosque is one of the earliest examples of the mosque type, featuring long transverse naves and a courtyard, shaping the development of Islamic architecture. This architectural plan has been emulated across Anatolia and other Islamic regions for centuries, serving as a source of inspiration to this day. The mosque’s unique mosaic decorations, adorned with vegetal and geometric motifs, are among the most exquisite examples in art history. These embellishments reflect the artistic vision of the period, the early stages of Islamic art, and the influences of Byzantine, Persian, and Arab cultures. The mosque holds great artistic and historical significance due to its architecture and mosaics. These mosaics, influenced by Byzantine art, give the mosque a rich and striking appearance. They are adorned with natural landscapes, city and water motifs, trees, animals, and depictions of paradise. The use of gold and blue tones creates a captivating play of light within the interior, offering a visual feast. In addition to Byzantine influences, the mosaics express the aesthetic and symbolic elements of Islamic art. For example, the natural motifs reflect the importance Islam places on nature and evoke imagery of paradise. These mosaics also exemplify how early Islamic art found expression through non-figurative depictions of nature. The interior is further enriched with various geometric patterns and inscriptions on columns, domes, and walls. Calligraphy, particularly in architectural elements, is prominently displayed throughout the mosque.
The courtyard of the mosque is also adorned with rich ornamentation. The carefully arranged stones, intricate mosaics, and thoughtfully designed gardens enhance the visual aesthetics of the mosque’s exterior. The courtyard is designed to provide a serene space where visitors can rest comfortably during worship while deepening the mosque’s spiritual atmosphere. Additionally, adjacent to the mosque stands the mausoleum of Salah al-Din Ayyubi, the conqueror of al-Quds, known as “the most beloved sultan of the East” and the first ruler to use the title “Khadim al Haramayn” (Servant of the Two Holy Sanctuaries).
