Remarkable Landmarks Within and Near Damascus
Ummayad Mosque: A Temple, a Church, and a Mosque
The Ummayad Mosque is one of the largest and oldest mosques built. Located in the old Damascus area, it is an architectural masterpiece composed of stone, marble, tiles, and mosaic. This mosque has been transformed to different religious buildings for thousands of years. At first, it was set where ancient Aramaic temple was; then, it became a Roman temple which was later on converted to a church in the fourth century. In the Islamic era, its building was purchased by Muslims and converted to the present day mosque. The minaret in the southeast corner is called the Issa Minaret; it has a Mamluke lower part and an Ottoman top due to its renovation after the earthquake of 1759. The western minaret is the most articulated with its stone carvings and inscriptions that record its restorations in 1488 and after Tamerlane's conquest in 1401.
The Ummayad Mosque is one of the largest and oldest mosques built. Located in the old Damascus area, it is an architectural masterpiece composed of stone, marble, tiles, and mosaic. This mosque has been transformed to different religious buildings for thousands of years. At first, it was set where ancient Aramaic temple was; then, it became a Roman temple which was later on converted to a church in the fourth century. In the Islamic era, its building was purchased by Muslims and converted to the present day mosque. The minaret in the southeast corner is called the Issa Minaret; it has a Mamluke lower part and an Ottoman top due to its renovation after the earthquake of 1759. The western minaret is the most articulated with its stone carvings and inscriptions that record its restorations in 1488 and after Tamerlane's conquest in 1401.
Gorgeous Courtyard
Roman Ruin & Ummayad Mosque
Inside This Mosque
